The Parish of St. Mary and St. Jude is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine which is part of The Episcopal Church in the Americas that extends from Alaska into South America. Our Bishop is the Rt. Reverend Stephen Lane and his seat is in Portland at St. Luke’s Cathedral.

The Episcopal Church worships using the Book of Common Prayer and other contemporary resources that augment our worship. We are a broad-minded church that welcomes people from all walks of life and faith traditions to worship in our community. Please feel free to join us!




Our parish was represented at Diocesan Convention by our Rector and delegates: Phyllis Partridge, Maude March, Jean Fernald and George Robertson at the October Convention in 2012.

The Diocese of Maine had recently reviewed its Mission Priorities and Mission Strategy throughout the Diocese and our bishop has encouraged all of us to engage in adaptive change. In response his challenge to refocus our mission, our parish, along with the other 3 Episcopal Churches on Mount Desert Island entered into a year of intentional collaboration in 2010-2011. There was some “clergy swapping”, occasional joint services and opportunities for joint fellowship.

The fruits of this effort included a strong clergy support group, newly emerged traditions of joint worship: Epiphany, Holy Week (for the great Three Days), and a September worship/picnic on Somes Sound, and the late worship service on Christmas Eve.

Other continuing shared ministries include participation of all parishes in supporting the local food banks, a developing mission to Haiti effort, and ongoing gathering for music and singing in private homes with folks from all over the island. The effort resulted in Episcopalians across the island getting to know one another and in two congregations agreeing to share a priest-in-charge instead of separate rectors.

The Links below will give you more information about the Diocese and the National Episcopal Church.