Priest in Charge (House for Duty) - St Agatha, Sparkbrook with St Barnabas, Balsall Heath

Overview

The Bishop of Birmingham wishes to appoint a Priest in Charge (House for Duty)

 St Agatha, Sparkbrook with St Barnabas, Balsall Heath

Introduction

Witnessing to Christ in the heart of a predominantly Muslim area, this vibrant parish, affiliated to The Society of St Wilfred and St. Hilda, seeks a priest who will work with the congregations to:

•deepen their prayer and sacramental life and continue to grow as disciples

•develop relationships with the community in a diverse area of Birmingham

•discern and empower a vision for the next stage in the development of the parish

•consider new connections with neighbouring parishes, contributing from the strength of the Catholic Faith in the parish

•build on the existing work with children and  to explore ministry among young people and young adults.

Main Responsibilities

There are two churches in the parish: St Agatha’s is a Grade 1 listed Major Parish Church, nationally known beacon of the Catholic tradition in the Church of England and St Barnabas is in the heart of the residential area. The largely gathered, welcoming, faithful, and active congregation reflects the rich ethnic and social diversity of the City. Under the House of Bishops’ Declaration, the parish receives pastoral and sacramental care from the Bishop of Ebbsfleet/Wakefield during the current vacancy.

The 4-bedroomed clergy house (built 1994) which is available immediately is situated close to the mouth-watering Balti-belt restaurants, and the massive cultural, educational and leisure facilities of the city are easily accessible.

Birmingham and the city region with its hospitals, universities and other organisations offer opportunities for ministry which might complement the parochial need for priestly ministry most Sundays and the equivalent of two days each week.

Presentation is currently suspended to allow discussion of possible future pastoral reorganisation which can proceed once the new priest is appointed.

Please click here to view the Parish Profile

The Ideal Candidate

A Diocesan Profile for this post should be read prior to submitting an application, this is available from the HR Support Officer, Chris Booth who can be emailed on ChrisB@cofebirmingham.com

Those interested are encouraged to contact the Archdeacon of Birmingham,

Ven. Jenny Tomlinson: 07769 200507 jennyt@cofebirmingham.com

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, particularly those
under-represented including persons of Global Majority Heritage.

The Church of England Birmingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment. All appointments to roles undertaking regulated activity are subject to pre-appointment checks, including a references and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.

The Bishop of Birmingham, looks for priests to serve as incumbents who have the capacity to grow local church in spiritual depth, in numbers, in confident witness, and in serious engagement with their community. Central to this is the task of identifying, encouraging and endorsing the ministry of others and entrusting them with real responsibility in the work of mission and outreach.

The priest appointed to this role must have been ordained in the Church of England or a church in communion with it and must have exercised at least three years ordained ministry. Those applying to be considered must have the right to work in the UK as this vacancy has does not yet qualify to sponsor a visa. The priest appointed will be an office holder under Common Tenure, and the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations will apply.

It is important that the priest appointed plays a full part in the life of the deanery, particularly Chapter and Synod, and in the wider programmes of the Diocese. Opportunities for ecumenical collaboration should also be pursued, and good relationships sought with other faith communities.

For more information about this application process, please use this link