Clergy & Lay Leadership
Serving Christ and His Church at Ascension
The Venerable Michael Weaver, SSC
Rector & Archdeacon
Father Michael was ordained to the diaconate in February 2005 and to the priesthood in June 2006. Following his ordination to the priesthood, he became Rector of St. George’s Anglican Catholic Church in Temple Hills, Maryland, where he served from June 2006 until August 2010. During that time, he also briefly served as Priest-in-Charge of St. Matthew’s Anglican Catholic Church in Newport News, Virginia, in 2008.
He came to the Church of the Ascension as Priest-in-Charge in February 2010 and was instituted as Rector on October 23, 2010. Since then, he has served Ascension through its worship, sacramental life, preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and its ministry within the wider Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic States.
For nearly two decades, Father Michael has also been closely involved in the formation of the young people of the Diocese, serving as Director of the DMAS Youth Summer Camp beginning in 2007. Although stepping back from directing the camp, he looks forward to continuing to support and assist this important diocesan ministry.
In June 2023, the Rt. Rev. Donald Lerow appointed Father Michael Archdeacon of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic States. Following the consecration of the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey S. Johnson as Bishop Ordinary, he was retained in that office and continues to assist the Bishop in the pastoral and administrative work of the Diocese.
Lay Leadership at Ascension
The temporal and practical affairs of the parish are assisted by elected and appointed lay officers who work with the Rector in the stewardship and governance of parish life.
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Senior Warden
The Senior Warden is a member of the Vestry and serves as one of the principal lay officers of the parish. The Senior Warden works closely with the Rector and helps provide continuity, coordination, and lay leadership in the work of the Vestry and the parish.
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Junior Warden
The Junior Warden is also a member of the Vestry and assists in the practical administration of parish life. The Junior Warden traditionally gives particular attention to matters involving the church property, buildings, and grounds, while sharing in the wider responsibilities of the Vestry.
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Treasurer
The Treasurer oversees the financial records and financial administration of the parish, including receipts, expenditures, financial reporting, and the preparation of information needed by the Rector and Vestry for responsible stewardship. The Treasurer is not automatically a member of the Vestry unless separately elected to serve on it.
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Vestry Clerk
The Vestry Clerk maintains the official records of Vestry meetings, including minutes and other necessary documentation. The Clerk assists the parish in preserving an accurate record of its actions and decisions. The Vestry Clerk is not automatically a member of the Vestry unless separately elected to serve on it.
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The Vestry
The Vestry is the elected lay governing body of the parish and works with the Rector in the administration and stewardship of the parish’s temporal affairs. Its members help oversee finances, property, planning, and other practical matters necessary to support the worship and ministry of the Church.