Brett Richardson

About

Each of the Vestry members were asked to reflect on the following questions:

WHY DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE ON THE VESTRY OF ST. MARK’S?

Service has been in my DNA since adolescence. From participation in Boy Scouts and Order of the Arrow, growing up in my high school band, and over 20 years serving in the music education profession, giving back to something that has provided me so much has been a passion. Joining the St. Mark’s Choir and becoming a confirmed member has been an immense blessing to my spiritual walk and sense of community here in San Antonio. I am certain the opportunity to serve on the Vestry will allow me to advocate for the greater needs of the St. Mark’s Church community.

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PARTICIPATION AT ST. MARK’S AND/OR IN THE COMMUNITY, INDICATING EXPERIENCES THAT YOU THINK WILL BE HELPFUL FOR THE VESTRY.

I am a proud member of the St. Mark’s Choir (Go, Basses!) and frequent guest conductor at the pleasure of the Music Director, for which I am very thankful that I can share the talents from my “day job” in service of the choir. In addition, I have served on several committees for the church including the search committee for Jon Johnson’s hire, steering committee for 2023 UK/Scotland Choir Pilgrimage, and leadership on the Summer 2022 sabbatical activity teams. As Director of Bands at the University of the Incarnate Word, I maintain separate scholarship and operating budgets, facilitate travel for students, organize numerous recruiting events for the Department of Music, and serve on various curriculum and policy committees.

ST. MARK’S CORE VOCATION IS “FEEDING SAN ANTONIO WITH THE BREAD OF LIFE: FEEDING THE HUNGRY WITH REAL FOOD; FEEDING THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY FOR KNOWLEDGE AND MEANING; AND FEEDING THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY FOR BEAUTY AND CREATIVITY.” HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE VESTRY WORKING IN SUPPORT OF THIS VOCATION?

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church has a clear vision through its Core Vocation for the use of its resources in service to the community and parish. To that end, the Vestry’s role is multi-faceted and should: (1) support existing programs offered by the clergy, senior staff, and Music Director; (2) provide advice to parish decision makers, and (3) ensure that St. Mark’s remains a shining example of how a church can uplift its home community and beyond.

WHEN DID YOU JOIN ST. MARK’S AND WHAT CONTINUES TO DRAW YOU TO THIS COMMUNITY?

I began attending St. Mark’s in the winter 2015 after my wife, Jacquelyn Matava, was hired as a staff singer, and in spring 2021 we were confirmed and received by the parish. I continue to attend St. Mark’s because of the many friends I have made here in the choir (and beyond), the music activities we can participate in, and the weekly spiritual guidance our clergy and parish provides. For me, St. Mark’s is a place for peace and comfort after a long work week – I cannot imagine my life without the St. Mark’s Choir and friends I have made along the way!