Monica Nathan
Senior Warden St. Mary’s Vestry
Pacific Grove CA 93950
831-373-3610
SeniorWarden@stmarysbythesea.org
December 21, 2015
Upon the retirement of Reverend Richard Leslie, of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Pacific Grove,
California the Church began searching for an interim priest. A search committee was appointed by
the Vestry and after a review of several applicants for the position they recently completed their
assignment. A recommendation was made to the Vestry on December 14, 2016 and they accepted
the recommendation appointing Reverend Vincent Raj as the interim Rector. The interim Rector will
serve until the Vestry selects a full time Rector. The full time Rector search is estimated to take
several months.
Reverend Raj received his Licentiate Degree/Theology in 1971 and was
awarded a Magna cum Laude degree. He started his religious service in
the Catholic Church until 2000 when he moved to the Episcopal Church
as a lay associate in St. James Episcopal Church in Monterey California.
In addition to Church service he has been the Director of a Senior Adult
Program for the Salvation Army, founder and convener of the Community
of Interfaith Colleagues, member of Episcopal Bishop Search Committee
and Dean of the Salinas Valley deanery.
Reverend Vincent Raj was born and educated in Delhi, India. He has
been a resident of the peninsula area since 1992 where he served as the
Executive Director of the Beacon House in Pacific Grove. He has served as an interim rector and lay
associate in several Episcopal Church’s in Watsonville, Salinas, Monterey and Pacific Grove. He
served as Rector of St. George Episcopal Church in Salinas California 2002 to 2010.
Reverend Raj said “St. Mary’s is where my Episcopal Priestly ministry began. I believe I am well
qualified and well suited to serve St. Mary’s Church in the capacity of Interim Rector. My skills in
education, knowledge and experience in all aspects of pastoral care, parish administration and
leadership will serve the members of St. Mary’s Church.”
Monica Nathan, Senior Warden of St. Mary’s Church Vestry said “we are most fortunate to have
Reverend Raj serve as our Interim Rector. Our Parish knows him well and we are pleased to have
someone that is so well acquainted with our Church to help us as we search for a full time Rector.”
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