Who we are.
Christ Episcopal Church is a growing, faith-filled Episcopal worship community. Our church was founded in 1744 and we moved into our current building across from the Guilford Green in 1838, so as you can see we have a pretty strong history in Guilford! Our church family includes people of all ages, backgrounds, races, and walks of life... from Guilford, to the surrounding shoreline towns of Branford, Madison, Clinton, and beyond. All are truly welcome.
Our staff.
The Reverend Randolph Harrison West is rector of Christ Church. Father West, a native of Oregon, came to Christ Church in 2010 after spending 15 years as the associate rector of St. John’s Church, Norwood Parish in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Fr. West received his BA from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota. He did graduate work in architectural history at the University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, and received his M.Div. from The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.
In addition to his service as associate rector at St. John’s Church, Norwood Parish, Fr. West served as an assisting priest at Grace Memorial Church in Portland, Oregon, and as both assistant rector and interim rector at Grace Church and chaplain of St. Nicholas’ School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
In addition to his service as associate rector at St. John’s Church, Norwood Parish, Fr. West served as an assisting priest at Grace Memorial Church in Portland, Oregon, and as both assistant rector and interim rector at Grace Church and chaplain of St. Nicholas’ School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Mark Sullivan is proud to serve as Music Director at Christ Church. Mark studied piano with Andrew Klein of the Pre-College Division at The Julliard School and went on to undergraduate and graduate studies in piano performance, composition, and conducting at the School of Music at Boston University. A Guilford resident for 25 years, Mark appears regularly as a soloist and accompanist, and has served as Music Director of St. Andrew's, Madison, and the United Methodist Church of Clinton, among other positions. He came to Christ Church in the Fall of 2013.
- Tyler Jarvis, Director of Children and Youth Ministries, hails from Texas with 10 plus years experience in youth ministry. Tyler currently is a student at Yale Divinity School, working on a Masters of Arts in Religion. He received his Masters of Divinity (2015) and Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry (2009) from Lubbock Christian University. He was the past Camp Director of Camp Washington in Litchfield County. Tyler is married to Andrea, and has two adorable little girls, Addilyn and Lucy. Tyler can be reached at tylerjarvis.cec@gmail.com
Donna Tafel is our amazing Parish Administrator. Donna is just the cheerful, organized and skilled person to fulfill this important role in our parish life. For ten years, Donna served as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, and previously served in administrative roles with national accounting firms. Donna lives in Guilford with her husband Brad and their 5 month old puppy Charlie.
Donna can be reached during Office Hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10a.m. to 3p.m. Otherwise you can leave a message at 203-453-2279, or an email to cecsec@snet.net
Donna can be reached during Office Hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10a.m. to 3p.m. Otherwise you can leave a message at 203-453-2279, or an email to cecsec@snet.net
Donna LaFata, Communications Director, handles correspondence for Christ Church within the parish, and publicity and PR outside the parish in the greater community. Donna taught High School Science before staying home with her children and helping with the family business. Donna can be reached at
cecguilford.communications@gmail.com
cecguilford.communications@gmail.com
Sheward Haggerty is our amazing Sexton, and he takes care of everything ELSE that is needed to keep our congregation, our building and our community running smoothly!