St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church in San Marino proudly announces that its rector, the Rev. Dr. Jenifer Chatfield, was elected on August 8, 2026, as the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. She will begin her new ministry in November.
Since becoming rector of St. Edmund’s in 2020, Rev. Chatfield has led the parish with vision, compassion, and resilience. Arriving just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, she guided the congregation through an unprecedented period of uncertainty, ensuring that worship and pastoral care remained accessible by moving church services online.
As the parish emerged from the pandemic, Rev. Chatfield fostered a renewed spirit of welcome, inclusion, and youthful energy that has helped St. Edmund’s flourish. With a steadfast commitment to forming disciples of Jesus Christ, she has inspired the congregation through her preaching, mentored both parishioners and emerging clergy, and developed ministries that encourage a deeper love of God and neighbor.
“While we will deeply miss Jenifer’s leadership, we are excited that the gifts she has shared so generously with St. Edmund’s will now bless the wider Church,” said Gail Rolfe, Senior Warden and longtime parishioner. “We give thanks for her faithful ministry and celebrate this well-deserved call.”
Rev. Chatfield said she felt both grateful and humbled by her election.
“My intention was to remain at St. Edmund’s for many more years as we continued to grow together,” she said. “But when God calls, you answer.”
While acknowledging that this transition is bittersweet, she expressed enthusiasm about the future of St. Edmund’s and its continued ministry.
Before coming to St. Edmund’s, Rev. Chatfield served at St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church in Huntington Beach and St. James’ in-the-City Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. She holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Virginia Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School.
St. Edmund’s will honor Rev. Chatfield’s ministry and celebrate her election with a farewell luncheon on Sunday, October 4. For more information, contact the church office at office@saintedmunds.org.