Many of us may have questions for our new Interim Rector, Fr. Mark Stuart, but rather than have him present a long autobiographical introduction we have included here a "Top Ten" list of questions which may be one way of getting to know him a little better:

1) What is an Interim Rector and have you ever been involved in that role before coming to St. Augustine's?

An Interim Rector functions like a permanent Rector in making sure all the programs, liturgies, pastoral care, and administration of the parish takes place as it should. Some things may change because every Priest is somewhat different, but a good Interim will be sensitive to the needs of the congregation. An Interim also oversees the transition process with the best interests of the congregation at heart and is in consultation with the Bishop and his office throughout the process. Although many congregations are anxious to "get on with it" and call a permanent Rector as soon as possible, it does not benefit the parish in the long term to rush. A transitional period, especially following a long tenure of a previous rector, should take ample time for the congregation to adjust and even grieve (because any change or loss involves some grieving), and then heal and adapt to the change in order to move forward. It is a vital time for the parish to reassess its mission, ministry, and vision. It should be a time of reflection and prayer which is as much or more important than the specific tasks involved in calling a new Rector. The usual and expected time frame for such a transition is 18 months to 2 years. This can be an exciting and dynamic time for a parish and not just an unproductive "holding pattern" as some parishioners may be concerned might happen. I have served parishes before as an Interim and I can bring my skills and parochial experience to enrich the process.

2) What is the most interesting position you have had in your thirty years of ordained ministry?

Although I think I have a fairly wide diversity of experience in my ministry, one position in particular I consider the most the most interesting and unique. After having worked for the Episcopal social service organization St. Francis Homes as director of one of its residential treatment centers serving troubled youth; I was invited by the CEO to become director of another St. Francis program which provided wilderness therapy for troubled and at risk 4th, 5th, and 6th grade inner city boys and girls. So, having never been backpacking or camping before I had to learn a whole new set of skills as I would venture out regularly to visit the groups in the wilderness. The staff were all "backpack jocks" and were not at all sure about me as their new director, having not been "raised up through the ranks", so to speak. They tested me on my first trip by telling me in what area of the Guadalupe Rage in southern New Mexico they would be on a certain date, gave me a topographical map, and said "good luck." (This was in the 1980's before cell phones and GPS.) I arrived at the trail head on the agreed date and headed into the wilderness with my map. On more than one occasion I said to myself, "What in the world have you gotten yourself into?!" As dusk approached and began to think I may have wandered seriously off course (having never previously used a topographical map) I heard children's voices on the other side of a rise in a break from the trees and there was the group! Everyone was amazed (especially me) that I had found them and my staff was duly impressed. I had passed the first test and from then on I was "in" and from then on had many amazing experiences in wilderness areas throughout the West and Southwest. One of my most memorable trips was backpacking in 12 miles at altitudes of 12,000 feet in the Wind River Range in Wyoming on a rough trail with 50 lbs. of gear on my back. Being in the wilderness areas helping children was an amazing spiritual experience that I was so blessed to have had.

3) Why did you leave your former parish?

I was employed as Director of Development for the Torrance - South Bay YMCA and had also been assisting at St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Hollywood when they recruited me to become full time Associate Rector for Parish Growth and Development. I loved St. Thomas Parish very much, so I accepted the position. I ended up serving there close to 8 years and was very happy. Although I had bonded closely to the parish I felt it was time to explore new options for ministry in the Diocese and was in close contact with Bishop Bruno regarding that. When he offered me the possibility of coming to St. Augustine's as Interim Rector, I accepted and already I sense that was a good decision!

4) How can we get to know you better?

I always maintain an "open door" policy and am very receptive to having people drop in for a casual chat if they happen to be in the parish office. I also welcome appointments if someone has a concern they wish to talk about and, of course, am available for personal pastoral needs. I have been meeting with persons who head up organizations and ministries in the parish and I am trying to attend the various group meetings that take place. This is a good way for you to get to know me and for me to get to know you apart from Sunday mornings!

5) Why are you called "Father"?

I have been called "Father Mark" throughout my ministry and so when people here asked me how I would like to be addressed that is the term I am used to. The term "Father" is commonly used in the Episcopal Church across the country for male priests (many female priests are referred to as "Mother") However, as I told you my first Sunday, if you are not comfortable with that, then please address me in the manner with which you are most at ease!

6) Where are you coming from spiritually?

I have always felt that the life of a Priest, and of every Christian for that matter, should be grounded to prayer and the Sacraments. I take quiet space for myself to meditate, read books that foster spiritual growth, write in my journal, make retreat to St. Mary's Retreat House in Santa Barbara (now run by the Order of the Holy Cross), and otherwise try to keep myself focused on God's gracious love and direction. Having been raised in socially conscious Christian family, I accept St. James' admonition that "faith without works is dead" and have therefore consciously tried to infuse my ministry with the Social Gospel. I have been involved in ministries serving troubled children and families, the homeless, HIV − AIDS, the environment, and special crisis or disaster relief. (After Hurricane Katrina I organized a parish mission trip to go down to the Gulf Coast and assist in hurricane relief efforts.) The balance of spiritual introspection and social outreach would best characterize my spirituality.

7) What are your interests?

I enjoy my home and entertaining and socializing with good friends. I own a condo in the Hollywood Hills at the Cahuenga Pass overlooking the Hollywood Bowl. I also enjoy travel and visiting friends and family in the States and abroad. Having an interest in history, I like collecting antiques and antiquities and achieved one of my lifetime dreams by meticulously restoring a 19th century Victorian home when I lived in Mobile, AL. I am quite happy to spend an evening reading and listening to classical music (Baroque is my favorite, and I am also very fond of early church music.) On the Gulf Coast I especially enjoyed Mardi Gras season which I observed with much enthusiasm! I love animals, both cats and dogs, and raised Huskies and Malamutes when I lived in the country and have always had feline companions. Currently I am the human guardian for three sassy felines named Tobey, Tomkin, and Mardi Gras. I also like to bake and have developed a talent in raising African Violets.

8) Where are you from and where have you lived?

I was born in Kansas and raised in San Francisco (which I consider home.) I attended Grace Cathedral and was confirmed and ordained Deacon there. I attended seminary in Wisconsin and my first parish was in Santa Cruz, CA. For ten years I lived in Kansas working with troubled children through the ministry of St. Francis Homes. From there I moved to Mobile, AL to assume directorship of an historic diocesan agency serving children. My parents meanwhile retired and moved to Claremont, CA which was one motivating factor in my decision to return to California, first moving to West Hollywood and now living in the Hollywood Hills.

9) You mentioned your parents; tell us more about your family.

As I said, my parents retired to Claremont, CA. My father was an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ and implemented a very innovative and exciting ecumenically sponsored ministry in San Francisco, called the Night Ministry which reached out to people in distress and need during the nighttime hours. (It is still a thriving ministry and Dad published a book a few years ago about his experience.) My mother held the position of Executive Assistant to the UCC Northern California − Nevada Conference Minister (sort of the equivalent of our Bishop.) Mom died in 2008 after bravely fighting Parkinson's Disease during her last years. I have one sibling, a sister, who lives in South Lake Tahoe with her husband and the three of us are very close. I also have a cousin who is more like a brother to me who lives in Oakland. My wonderful life partner, Bob, and I were together 12 years when on a parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land he tragically suffered an accident, developed a cerebral hematoma, and died in Israel. I have been much supported and comforted by his family and mine and all of our dear friends and the parishioners at St. Thomas and am healing from my loss with a great faith in God who is "my rock and my strength."

10) What are your first impressions of St. Augustine's?