Interim House for Duty Priest in Charge

for the Parish of Woolley with West Bretton

Role Description

Role description signed off by

Ven. Peter Townley Archdeacon of Pontefract

Date: xxxx

Details of the post
Role Title: / Interim House for Duty Priest-in-Charge
for Woolley with West Bretton
Episcopal area: / Wakefield
Archdeaconry: / Archdeaconry of Pontefract
Deanery: / Wakefield
Initial point of contact : / Archdeacon of Pontefract

Role Purpose

General

To build up the Kingdom of God in the Parish of Woolley with West Bretton by

·  increasing the existing congregations through the ministry of word and sacrament;

·  helping to lead the congregations into growth in depth of discipleship, in numbers and in service to their local communities

·  creatively developing links with local communities so that the churches become increasingly a sign of God’s love to all those who live in the parish;

·  leading in ministry and mission to the wider community, developing outreach strategies to create opportunities for individuals to discover God’s love for them and choose to become followers of Jesus Christ;

·  discovering opportunities to work with the people of Woolley with West Bretton, of any faith and none, for the ‘common good’ of the local neighbourhood as a whole.

·  undertaking parish priest duties including conducting funerals, weddings, baptisms and other occasional offices.

·  leading in pastoral care, teaching, nurturing faith and the planning and leading of worship and preaching.

·  leading in ministry to all, from the elderly to young families and children.

·  encouraging lay ministry and the participation of our congregation in leading elements of worship and service.

·  leading the administration of the parish and undertaking any other reasonable duties as appropriate.

·  Working closely with the Methodist Minister and Methodist Circuit at the Church in West Bretton

Specific

An ability to enable and help lead change at a time of potential pastoral re-organisation.

An ability to lead the congregations in their development of faith, and their understanding based on the scriptures and the meaning of Christ’s life on earth, encouraging the elderly with their many foibles and endearing characteristics, the young, and the in betweens.

Enthusiasm for young people to help them continue to develop their journey of faith, especially through the Young Adventures and Diamondbacks, as well as the involvement with the Junior & Infant School in West Bretton.

A willingness to continue the custom and practice of a once a month BCP service at St Peter’s church.

A concern for and willingness to visit the sick and those parishioners unable to attend St Peter’s and who need administering the holy sacraments. There is a need for the laity and clergy to work together as a team to cover the needs of the church and community and the work of pastoral care.

A team player who enjoys sharing the work of the Parish and who will welcome the participation of the many helpers who contribute to the activities of St Peters, from flower arrangers, cleaners, bell ringers, clock winders, churchyard cleaning etc etc.

A social person who will enjoy participating in the community events organised from time to time. Village Hall events (e.g regular monthly Friday evening get together), Residents Association Events (Various), and Church Social Committee events (faith lunch, Christmas Silent Auction, Woolley Feast), Annual Woolley Horse Show stall.

The Priest must be supportive of The Local Ecumenical Partnership which is bound by the Constitution that governs the LEP. As part of an “Ecumenical Team Ministry”, the Anglican Priest will work with the Methodist Minister, together “sharing pastoral responsibility for all who live in the area”. A good working relationship with the Methodist Minister is essential.

It is important that any Priest should engage with young families and their children and builds up a relationship with the new Methodist Circuit Family and Children’s worker who is keen to develop relationships with the Church in West Bretton.

Recognition of the need for continued personal development and education, for appropriate training, rest and relaxation time and vacation time.

Working Relationships

Churchwarden and PCC at Woolley. Stewards and Church Council at West Bretton.

Deanery Synod reps (one at each church)

Organists at Woolley and West Bretton.

Flower Arrangers and Bell-ringers at Woolley and West Bretton

Church & Village Newsletter Editors at Woolley and West Bretton

Young Adventurers leaders at Woolley

Diamondbacks leaders at Woolley

Toddler Praise leaders at Woolley

Out2Lunch Club organisers (monthly lunch club)

Committees supporting PCC at Woolley, each with lay chairperson: Tarime Committee; Education & Worship Committee; Social Justice & Outreach Committee

Headteacher of West Bretton J & I School

Woolley Village Residents Association

Woolley Hall Committee

Archdeacon’s Comments

As part of the on-going discussions about the shape of the future ministry and mission in the benefice of Woolley with West Bretton, it has been agreed that an Interim House for Duty Priest in Charge be appointed. This Interim appointment would be for three years in the first instance and this could be extended for a further three years. If Pastoral Re-organisation were to be achieved during the term of the Interim appointment, then the person in post may be appointed, after suitable consultation, to the post of House for Duty priest.

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