Above:: Christ Episcopal Church, Lead; Fr. Robin Pierre; St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Sturgis.
The Vestries of Christ Episcopal Church, Lead, and St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Sturgis, are pleased to announce that they have called the Rev. Robin Pierre as the new rector of their Covenant Partnership.
Fr. Robin currently serves in the Diocese of New Jersey as Missioner for Haitian Ministries, as well as church planter for the reopening of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Rahway.
“The wardens, vestry and members of Christ Church Lead in Covenant Partnership with St. Thomas, Sturgis, look forward to welcoming Fr. Robin and (his wife) Marie,” said Bob Thrall, Senior Warden at Christ Church. “We believe that together we can be more, do more, and become more. Working together we can and will become the church many people do not expect us to be.”
Jill Westendorf, clerk of the St. Thomas Vestry, echoed that sentiment: “After three years and three months of being without a permanent priest, the Vestry of St. Thomas … is overjoyed” with the call of Fr. Robin. St. Thomas has entered into a Covenant Agreement with Christ Episcopal Church, Lead, SD. This Covenant means the two churches will share Fr. Pierre, with his time and talents being shared … with each church. The Covenant is a new experience for both churches and is a step out in faith that this new endeavor will be successful. … Fr. Pierre and his wife (Marie Michel) are beautiful, positive people, and we are excited to have him in our communities to evangelize!”
“It is with great delight that we welcome Fr. Robin into the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota,” Bishop Folts said. “As he begins his ministry among the people of Christ Church and St. Thomas, we pray for blessings upon this new chapter of shared life and ministry. May our journey together be filled with faith, hope, and the joy of serving Christ’s people!”
Fr. Robin has not only served in the Episcopal Church, but prior to becoming an Episcopalian, he was a member of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Roman Catholic Church and was a missionary in the Dominican Republic for three years. He then went to Mexico City to study theology, which he did for one year before emigrating to the United States.
“I am filled with joy and gratitude at the wonderful news of being called to serve as the new Rector of Christ Church, Lead, and St. Thomas, Sturgis,” Fr. Robin said. “I thank you for this opportunity to walk alongside you in faith and ministry. My heartfelt thanks go to Bishop Jonathan Folts, Canon Lauren Stanley, and to the leaders of both congregations for your trust, discernment, and commitment in this process.
“Thank you for opening the doors of your communities to me and my family, and for your vision of companionship in ministry, seeking not just a priest, but a partner who will serve with understanding, compassion, and loving pastoral presence,” he added. “I hold you all in my prayers, asking God to give us strength, courage, and wisdom as we begin this journey together. May our shared mission bear fruit in ministry, fellowship, and growth for the sake of God's Kingdom.”
Fr. Robin and his wife, Marie Michel, have two sons — Jefferson, a college graduate, and Robin Jr., known as “Ted,” who will begin high school this year.
Fr. Robin is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish and English. He graduated from the General Theological Seminary in 2018, and then moved to the Diocese of New Jersey, where he was ordained in 2020. He has served as assistant to the rector at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Elizabeth, for three years, and worked with Haitian communities throughout the diocese. In 2023, he began serving as the Missionary for Haitian Ministries, as well as serving as a diocesan staff member working with multicultural congregations.
He will begin his new ministry in early September.