Here’s where we are as of mid-March, regarding the retirement of Dean Penny and what happens next.
First, about Dean Penny:
When will she leave us? On May 31.
Where will she live after her retirement? She will continue to live in her home in San Diego for the foreseeable future.
Can she attend the cathedral? No. Protocol dictates that she distance herself from the cathedral community until such time as the new dean is established and comfortable with her presence.
Can she preside at baptisms, weddings, funerals for cathedral members? No (see protocol above).
Will there be a special service to mark her departure? Yes: at the 10:30 service on May 31 we will share in the Service for the Ending of a Pastoral Relationship and Leave-taking from a Congregation, found in the Book of Occasional Services. There will be special music too. There will not be a service at 8:00 am on that Sunday and she will not attend Evensong.
Will we have a party to say goodbye to her? Yes, on May 31 after the 10:30 service, there will be a party.
Will there be a purse for her? No: Dean Penny has requested that we not give her a purse; however, if you would like to make a donation in honor of her ministry, you may make a gift to the Music Endowment. You may also make a donation to help defray the expense of the party. To make an online gift go to Stpaulcathedral.org/give and select either Music Endowment or Penny’s Retirement Celebration respectively.
After May 31:
What aspects of Cathedral life will change? The ministry and mission of the Cathedral will continue without a pause, thanks to our wonderful staff team and many dedicated congregants.
Who will be in charge of the cathedral? Chapter will appoint a priest, recommended by the Bishop, as interim Dean, who will work in partnership with the Dean’s Warden, Mark Lester, Chapter, and the executive staff.
Who will control the search for our next Dean? Chapter will appoint a calling committee from among the congregation. The calling committee will work with guidance from the Bishop’s office and will ultimately present one or more final candidates to Chapter: Chapter will make the call to the chosen candidate. All candidate names will be kept confidential.
Will the other cathedral clergy have to leave? No. Although the Rev. Canon Brooks Mason will reach mandatory retirement age this year, the Bishop has given permission for him to stay through the interim.
How long will the interim period last? About 12-18 months, so we hope to welcome our new Dean in early 2028.
Please pray for a good transition and a successful calling process.
Lord, you have apportioned to your people the manifold gifts of the Spirit: Grant amid the changes of the world that your Church may abide, and be strengthened in ministry through continuous outpouring of your gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Book of Occasional Services 2022, p.339)
