Trinity Episcopal Church Announces New Rector

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Trinity Episcopal Church has announced the call of The Rev. Christine Love Mendoza as its next Rector, concluding an 18-month search process led by the church's Search Committee and Vestry.

Rev. Mendoza will begin her ministry at Trinity on August 2, 2026, bringing with her more than a decade of parish leadership experience and a deep connection to Texas.

"We are excited to welcome Mother Christine to Trinity," said Senior Warden Sam Kneisley. "Throughout the search process, she demonstrated a passion for ministry, strong leadership skills, and a clear vision for helping our parish continue to grow while honoring the traditions and identity that make Trinity such a special community."

Originally from San Antonio, Rev. Mendoza spent much of her adult life in Austin before moving to Virginia. She currently serves as Rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke, Virginia, where she has led the congregation for the past nine years. Prior to that, she served as Curate and Priest Associate at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin.

Rev. Mendoza earned a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later received her Master of Divinity from Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. Before entering ordained ministry, she worked in software development as a Project Manager and Business Analyst.

In a message to the congregation, Rev. Mendoza expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Trinity.

"It is with thanksgiving and a joyful heart that I have accepted your vestry's call to serve as your next rector," she said. "I am blessed by this gracious call and excited to journey with you as we serve as Christ's hands and feet in the world."

She added that the search process revealed a congregation "grounded in love and ready to enter this new phase of shared life together."

Rev. Mendoza and her husband, Jonathan, will relocate to The Woodlands this summer. Their daughter, Emma, will also be returning to Texas this fall.

Founded in 1976, Trinity Episcopal Church serves The Woodlands and surrounding communities through worship, Christian formation, pastoral care, outreach ministries, and Trinity Episcopal Day School. Church leaders view Rev. Mendoza's arrival as an important milestone as the congregation looks toward its future mission and ministry.

For more information about Trinity Episcopal Church, visit www.trinitywoodlands.org.