The Rev. Canon Robert Alan Schiesler was elected Pastor of St. Mark’s Church in  2007 and began his ministry here in June of that year.  He has been in parish ministry for over twenty five years and has served in various dioceses of the Episcopal Church, including churches in Montclair, NJ; Wilmington, De.; and Belleville, Michigan.  Most recently he has served as Dean of the Cathedral in the Diocese of Iowa.

Canon Schiesler holds graduate degrees in ministry and theology and the Ph.D. in Religious Studies (St. Mary’s Seminary and University).  His professional work includes certification in addictions counseling; graduate certification in fund raising management from the University of Pennsylvania and mentoring with Dr. Speed Leas of the Alban Institute in conflict management.  He has studied or been on mission pilgrimage in Haiti, Israel, Russia and England.  In 2007 Dr. Schiesler was named a Canon of Honor in the Episcopal Church by the Bishop and Diocese of Iowa for distinguished ministry.

Canon Bob is married to Mary E. Novello who has been engaged in not for profit management throughout her professional life.  She was the founding President & Chief Executive Officer of the Food Bank of Delaware.  She has served as Executive Director of the YWCA and recently as Director of Community Affairs at Broadlawns Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa. She is presently the Executive Director of Flat River Outreach Ministries in Lowell, Michigan, a coalition of 16 churches working through a multi layered ministry including a thrift shop, furniture store, clothing boutique, food pantry, financial counseling and pastoral assistance.

A Message from our New Rector

Easter Day, April 8, 2007

Dear Wardens, members of the Vestry and people of God at St. Mark's,

With joy and thanksgiving to our loving and gracious God, I accept your Call to new ministry as Rector of St. Mark's Church. Throughout this search process, I have felt the Spirit leading me to this place and today, you and I have received a wonderful Easter gift as we open a new chapter in our faith life and more importantly, rejoice in receiving new Life in the Lord Jesus Christ. On this day, there is only an empty tomb as Christ has broken all bonds and invites us to live boldly and joyfully, our souls empty of fear and our hearts full of Divine love. On this day, I join you in prayer as we seek God's strength in making our common vision of an energized, diverse, inquiring faith community come alive as a dynamic church in the heart of the city for good!

I want to especially thank the Search Committee and Vestry for their dedicated, intentional work throughout the search process and for the warm hospitality they have extended to Mary and me. Mary and I look forward to becoming a part of the St. Mark's community as we walk with you on the journey, "connecting spirits, engaging minds and welcoming all" in the name of our Lord Jesus.

In the Risen Christ,

The Rev. Canon Robert Alan Schiesler, Ph.D.