Assistant Parish Priest (Full-time Stipendiary, Five year post), Benefice of Hanslope and Castlethorpe, Deanery of Newport, Archdeaconry of Buckingham

Overview

Hanslope and Castlethorpe is a benefice of two villages in the Newport Deanery on the North Buckinghamshire and South Northamptonshire borders and have a population, currently, of 3,350 with a further 1,000 to be added in the next couple of years. The two churches are under the extended episcopal care of the Bishop of Ebbsfleet and are of moderate Anglo-Catholic church tradition. The churches are well supported and very active in their communities.

Introduction

The current incumbent, The Revd Canon Gary Ecclestone, is being seconded by the Bishop of Ebbsfleet to work as his Parish Development Mentor for the next five years. He will continue to serve as Parish Priest and Area Dean but much of his parish role will be delegated to this new full time stipendiary Assistant Priest post. This is an incumbent status post and for a five-year period. The successful candidate will become the main and most visible face of the Church in the two communities. Fr Gary will continue to chair Castlethorpe PCC at least until the conclusion of the current building redevelopment project, but will delegate Hanslope PCC and the management of the day to day running of the two churches and their ministry to the successful candidate.

Main Responsibilities

Our new Assistant priest will:

• be the prayerful centre of a busy parish
• lead the benefice as it looks to build on 15 years of growth
• encourage and resource a talented and committed group of lay leaders
• will help us develop our vision and especially the opportunities we have through the occasional offices

The Ideal Candidate

We seek a traditional Anglo-Catholic priest who:

• Is a member of the Society of the Holy Cross or affiliated to The Society of St Wilfred & St Hilda or willing to be so
• Is rooted in prayer and can encourage others, of all ages, in the pursuit of holiness
• Is fully committed to the sacramental life
• Has a passion for both teaching and living out the catholic faith as the Church of England has received it
• will plan and prepare diligently for public worship
• Is kind and caring
• Is naturally collaborative
• will be a visible presence across our communities and especially in the two village schools
• will visit people in their own homes

About us

There’s a strong sense of shared vision within the two congregations and community life is in general is friendly and welcoming. Whilst rural in character the benefice is centrally located and within easy reach of London and the Midlands by rail (into Euston) and road (M1). There are good local schools and encouraging and supportive laity with whom to work. This post is a tremendous opportunity for someone.

Closing Date: Monday 20th January 2020

Interview Date:  Monday 3rd February 2020

Enhanced DBS Disclosure required.