The Vestry of Saint George’s Church is excited to announce that the Reverend Wilfredo Benitez has answered and accepted God’s call to be the next rector of St. George’s Church. He will join us at a trilingual Eucharist on Sunday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m. 

Father Benitez comes to us from the diverse, multicultural parish of St. Anselm of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Garden Grove, California, after 17 years of service there and 20 years in the priesthood. Bishop Provenzano met with Fr. Benitez as part of the discernment process and has expressed his full confidence in his ministry as our rector.

He grew up in the Bronx and has been a Volunteer Police Chaplain, college and hospital chaplain, counselor/instructor and associate priest.

Among many of his gifts and skills is community activism and creativity. He has been active in interfaith circles where he engaged in economic and social justice work. As an award-winning photographer, his work has been on exhibition.

Father Benitez is contemplative, energetic, engaging, caring, warm, humble and passionate about his activities and relationships. He is a First Degree Black Belt in Korean Karate.

Father Benitez holds a B.A. in Sociology, an M.S.Ed. in Bilingual Counseling. He graduated in 1991 with an M.Div. from the General Theological Seminary in New York City.

Bishop Provenzano will express his gratitude to our interim clergy, Fr. Duncan and Fr. Contrereas at his visitation on January 22nd and conclude their ministry with us.  For the few Sundays in between services will be provided on Saturdays at 6:30 by The Reverend Francisco Rodriguez and on Sundays at 9:30 and 12:30 by The Reverend Vivian Lam.

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.”

I Corinthians 16:13-14.