The Vestry is the legal representative of the Parish "in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relation of the parish to its clergy." Vestry members are elected by the parish, and their basic responsibilities are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church's mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances. The rector is the presiding officer of the Vestry and appoints the senior warden, while the Vestry elects the junior warden. The senior warden leads the parish between rectors and is a support person for the rector. The junior warden often has responsibility for church property and buildings. The size of a church's Vestry and the term of office vary from parish to parish. The Vestry at St. Paul's includes 12 members elected for three year terms.