A new Rector and Headmaster has been called to St. Christopher's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church and Montessori School.The Rev. Burt H. Froehlich [pronounced fray lick ] of St. Augustine began his ministry in Key Biscayne on March 3, 2008.

Ordained in 1979, Father Burt most recently has been Canon for the River Region of the Diocese of Florida with oversight of 11 churches, and for two years the Interim Rector at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, a Palm Coast congregation that averages 300-500 in Sunday attendance. He previously had been Rector of Reconciliation Episcopal Church, St. Augustine, for five years, and earlier of a historic 700-member congregation in Ashtabula, OH,.

Looking forward to his new ministry in Key Biscayne, Father Burt said, "My hope is for St. Christopher's by-the-Sea to be a 'parish' in the English sense of the word, the geographic boundaries comprising the whole Village and everyone in it. Most specifically it includes our Montessori school children and their families as members of the life of the church. God's grace is available to ALL, and so are St. Christopher's church and school."

Father Burt's ministry focuses on congregational development, teaching and preaching. In one previous position he founded a Montessori school and believes that "those schooled in a Montessori climate are more inquisitive and appreciative of life and the world around them and are better able to relate to others."

A graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary, Fr. Burt earned his B.A. in Psychology and Business and did graduate work in Clinical Psychology at Morehead State University. He also pursued post-graduate work in Anglican Studies at the London Institute in England. Having worked bi-vocationally in interim and consulting ministries while growing Burt Management Group (BMG), a commercial real estate corporation, Fr. Burt is also a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker.

A father of three and grandfather of eight, Fr. Burt enjoys fly fishing, golf, photography, kayaking and music (guitarist).

Sharon (Sherrie) Froehlich is a member of the Daughters of the King, a lay order of Episcopal women. She was co-founder and executive Director of ROCC, an organization that helped more than 2000 refugees to relocate and settle in the United States. She was the Diocesan Refugee Coordinator for The Diocese of Florida for 6 years. A businesswoman in her own right, Sherrie started and owned a service company in Ponte Vedra and was vice president of BMG.

Sherrie also enjoys the grandchildren. She is a nature lover, and her hobbies include fly fishing, golf, kayaking, and photography.

Father Burt and Sherrie are very excited about St. Christopher's Church Family and living in the village. Sherrie has expressed that Key Biscayne feels like coming home to both of them because they have lived on Amelia Island and Anastasia Island for many years and love the island life.