Ministry Team
The Rev. Cecily Broderick Y Guerra
Priest-in-Charge, Christ Church Sag Harbor
The Reverend Dr. Cecily Broderick y Guerra was ordained in 1988, has served in the Dioceses of Long Island and New York and brings a wealth of experience to Christ Church, Sag Harbor and neighboring communities. Her ministry began at St. Martha’s Church in the Bronx. She went on to serve as Canon Pastor at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan, Rector of St. John’s Church in Hempstead and historic St. Phillip’s Church in Harlem (where she served first as Curate and later as Priest-in-Charge). She was also a health care administrator, serving St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway as Vice President of Mission Integration. Just prior to her arrival at Christ Church, Mother Broderick served as Interim Minister at St. Stephen’s Church in Jamaica and thereafter at St. Luke’s Church in Forest Hills.
In addition to these positions, Mother Broderick is a clergy coach, a faculty member of the George Mercer School of Theology, and a Search Consultant in the Diocese of Long Island. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Hartford and Oxford University in England, a Masters of Divinity from the Yale and Berkeley Divinity Schools, and a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Serving Christ Church fulfills one of her long-held dreams. She first worshipped at Christ Church in the summer of 1973 at the age of 13 when her family spent the summer in Azurest. That was the first of what became an annual family pilgrimage to Sag Harbor and Christ Church.
Cecil and Mercedes Broderick, her parents, retired to Sag Harbor and their daughter visited nearly every weekend to help them. She prayed for God to allow her and her family to move to Sag Harbor. In June of 2023, the Christ Church Vestry invited her to serve as Priest-in-Charge. Her spouse JulieBates, MD and children, Dana and Cecil Broderick Bates, moved into the Broderick family home in Sag Harbor shortly thereafter.
Staff
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Janet Fensterer
Minister of Music
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Claudia Ward
Financial Administrator
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Camille Ashwood-Swaby
Remote Parish Administrator
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Cynthia Mack
On-Site Parish Administrator
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Constantine Franco
Sexton, Porter, Groundskeeper
Vestry
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Kim Meehan Bambino
Warden | Class of 2026
For 12 years my family and I have been members of Christ Church and although much has changed, the true essence has remained the same. Christ Church is a warm, inviting and diverse place who welcome one and all.
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Jon Baer
Treasurer | Class of 2026
I grew up in Christ Church during the time of Father Webber who served for a wonderful 23 years. After a long absence, I returned to the church in 2017. Mother Broderick’s priesthood has brought me back to those glorious days. Her innovations such as bringing the altar closer to the congregation have made our church a warm and welcoming place in which one can enjoy the fellowship of every other worshiper and most importantly, feel the presence of God in our midst.
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Janine Carter
Class of 2027
To know Christ Church is to be welcomed immediately into God’s embrace by an open-armed and deeply committed community, anchored by the power of Christ’s Word and lifting each of us up through active service to the One.
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Liz Karsch
Class of 2025
Since I first set foot in Christ Church ten years ago, it has continuously provided me with a sense of community, steadfast acceptance of myself and others, and a deep, grounding love for God. I am constantly inspired by the people who find their way to this congregation, and how our differences serve to guide us all through compassion and with faith. This community is very special, and Christ Church is an anchor for all who land here.
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Diane Schimmer
Class of 2026
As with many churches near the sea, there are nautical references throughout Christ Church. In keeping, in the Nave there's a small stained-glass window depicting a sunlit anchor. This is the perfect representation of the essence of our church. Through fellowship and faith, we support each other. Everyone is welcome; our differences are celebrated. We are blessed with a minister possessing boundless energy, knowledge and leadership. God's love is our anchor.
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Thomas Chu
Warden, Class of 2027
Christ Church has been a refuge for me to drop my spiritual anchor in a community filled with love. It is a place where I find weekly sustenance and an opportunity to share my gifts in service of a gospel of hope.
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Donald Ferriss
Vestry Consultant
God’s mission for Christ Church is worth fighting for.
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Estelle (Dushy) Roth
Vestry Consultant
My husband Roman and I moved to Sag Harbor in 2000. We met the incredible Joanne Carter, who told us “just check out Christ Church once, and you’ll love it.” She was right-it and this has been our parish ever since, and despite all the ups and downs, our church is still here. Christ Church welcomed our daughter Indira when we brought her home in 2004 and she grew up in the church. Our church provides a strong sense of community and I love that the doors are open to all. I am grateful that Christ Church has been an anchor in my life and it has lead me to experience faith and trust in God.
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Nancy Achenbach
Warden Emeritus | Head of Strategic Partnerships
Christ Church has been my spiritual home since 1948. My parents introduced me to the church. I was confirmed by Bishop DeWolf and sang in the choir as a teenager. My Dad was on the Vestry and Mom on the Altar Guild. In the late afternoon of November 30, 1963, my wedding took place in the beautiful sanctuary. Both my parents were buried from Christ Church. I moved away from Sag Harbor for many years. When I moved back to the village, I resumed worshipping and serving at Christ Church. This is my spiritual home and is an important part of my life.