The Rev. Michael A. Bird Joins Trinity Church as Vicar

The Rev. Michael A. Bird, currently Rector of Christ Church in Bronxville, NY, will be joining Trinity on Jan. 1, 2021, as Vicar.

Throughout his career, Father Bird has focused his work on building and fostering vibrant communities of faithful people – from coaching public-school athletes to working with congregations. He has served at Christ Church since 2004, a parish that, like Trinity, draws its diverse congregation from all around it, offers beautiful music and liturgy, has a deep and cross-generational commitment to being family, and looks outward to serve its community.

All of us who met with Father Bird during the interview process recognize in him the true heart of a pastor. He is an experienced and well-respected priest with a track record of growing churches. He is particularly devoted to youth ministry and is an avid supporter of the arts and athletics, and as a longtime priest in the Diocese of New York has been involved in many diocesan ministries.

Father Bird has a bachelor’s degree in history from Swarthmore College and an M.Div. from The General Theological Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1997, and his first position after ordination was at St. Mark’s in New Canaan, CT, where he began as Associate Rector for Youth and Family Ministry. Father Bird grew up in Philadelphia and moved to Jacksonville, FL, as a teenager.

My nearly six years as Vicar of Trinity have been a time of great joy and deep connection with our parish family, and that won’t change. But it has become clear over the past 10 months that my duties and responsibilities as Priest-in-charge don’t also allow me to give the full measure of my attention to this congregation, which I love so much. Bringing Father Bird to Trinity as Vicar will add day-to-day support and guidance for our beloved congregation.  

Father Bird will be virtually “around” in December to give him some time to get to know Trinity but will officially take on the role of Vicar in the new year. I look forward to introducing him to all of you, and you to him. Please join me in offering Father Bird a warm and loving welcome to the Trinity family.

The Rev. Phillip A. Jackson is Trinity's Priest-in-charge.