The Reverend Canon John Newton, chief of staff for the Diocese of Texas, became the new rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Austin March 1.

Newton was named after a year-long search process to replace St. Michael’s long-time former rector, Reverend Robbie Vickery, who retired in January 2017, according to a news release. A rector is a member of the clergy who has charge of a parish.

Newton served in several capacities while at the Diocese of Texas, including canon for lifelong Christian formation and chief of staff to Bishop Andy Doyle. Previously, he was an assistant at All Saints Episcopal Church in Austin.

“I’ve learned so much about myself and about leadership over these last seven years," Newton said in a statement. "I’ve been involved in organizational development, setting goals, helping to cast a vision. I think what I’ve gained is the ability to see the big picture. It’s like being in the press box as opposed to being on the field and I think that breadth of perspective will prove valuable and that I’ll be a better parish priest because of it,” Newton said.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church was founded in 1955 and is located at 1500 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin.