Vicar of Rochester (St Peter and St Margaret) and Priest-in-Charge of Borstal

Introduction

The Bishop of Rochester, in consultation with the Dean & Chapter of Rochester Cathedral (Patron),

 is seeking to appoint a

Vicar (Full Time) for the Benefice of

St Peter with St Margaret, Rochester and St Matthew, Borstal

The three churches (two congregations) of St Peter's, St Margaret's and St Matthew's are warm, welcoming and completely inclusive communities.

We are now seeking a prayerful, enthusiastic and accepting parish priest to lead them on the next stage of their spiritual journey, and build a deeper connection with the local communities in which they are set.

The ideal candidate will be someone who:

• Demonstrates a commitment to the liberal catholic tradition and sacramental worship.  [We are members of Inclusive Church and have offered prayers of Love and Faith].
• Actively supports and encourages all the groups within our churches.
• Will focus on parish needs and outreach with pastoral care and prayerful support.
• Will build on ministry in local schools and our work with children and young people.
• Will further develop our links with other local churches, almshouses and residential care homes in the community.
• Can encourage others to develop their gifts and explore a vocation to licensed ministry.

You will be supported by a collaborative and capable Ministry Leadership Team, two experienced and supportive PCCs, a committed Prayer Team, and a Parish Administrator.

Our churches: 

St Margaret's is Grade II* Listed building just a short walk from the Cathedral.  It is used extensively by local schools.  St Peter's is a busy, modern Parish Centre around half a mile from St Margaret's, which is widely used by the local community.  [The churches of St Margaret and St Peter have a combined worshipping congregation].

St Matthew's was built in the 1870's and set in the centre of the village of Borstal.  It's hall is well used by a variety of groups throughout the week and at weekends.

Worship is primarily Eucharistic and vestments are worn in all three churches.  The congregations are also open to exploring different forms of worship, including Taize, Lectio Divina and Cafe Church.

Outreach is very important to us.  We hold a number of community-based activities, including weekly Coffee Shop, craft club and monthly cake sales.  Our facilities are used by a Dementia Carers' support group, Citizens Advice, Bereavement support group and many other local groups.  Our Summer and Christmas Fetes are always popular.

The Vicarage is a spacious 4-bed detached family home next door to St Peter's Church.

For further information, please see the accompanying Parish Profile and visit the parish websites Parish of Rochester and Borstal Parish

For an informal conversation with Archdeacon Sandra McCalla about this post, please email fiona.porter@rochester.anglican.org in the first instance.

Interviews will take place in the first week of September (likely Thursday 3rd).

The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes.  We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.