Priest in Charge, The Benefice of Middlesbrough, The Ascension

Introduction

Is God calling you to be the new Priest in Charge of The Ascension, serving the communities of Berwick Hills, Park End and Pallister Park in Middlesbrough? 

This is a significant opportunity to lead a faithful, welcoming church at the heart of a post-war housing estate, home to around 17,000 people. The Church of the Ascension was born out of grassroots mission: local residents gathering, fundraising, and quite literally building a church for their community. That legacy of determination, faith, and love remains central today.

Middlesbrough is a town with a proud industrial heritage and a changing future. While economic challenges and deprivation shape much of parish life, there is also renewal: new industries, renewed civic pride, and a strong sense of place. Within this context, the Diocese is making a clear and tangible commitment by funding a full-time post dedicated solely to this parish, supported by national church investment in overlooked communities.

The worshipping community at the Ascension is modest in number but rich in warmth, resilience, and service. Worship is centred on the Eucharist, offered in a modern Anglo-Catholic tradition, with two weekly celebrations. 

Beyond Sunday worship, the church hosts a foodbank, social events such as Pie and Pea Suppers and bingo, community groups, and seasonal fairs. There are established links with local schools, a care home with direct access to the church, and nearby facilities serving people experiencing homelessness. 

We are seeking a priest who is compassionate, approachable, and prayerful: someone who listens well, understands the realities of community life, and can hold together pastoral sensitivity with missionary vision. You will be comfortable leading traditional liturgical worship while also helping the church discern new ways of reaching those who currently have little or no connection with church. Experience of, or a calling towards, ministry in areas of deprivation will be a gift, as will a collaborative spirit and willingness to work closely within a supportive deanery.

This is a role for a woman or man who believes in growth that is not only numerical, but spiritual and relational; who sees potential where others see fragility; and who wants to help write the next chapter of God’s story in this place.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

About Us

The Diocese of York, led and guided by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, takes in much of North and East Yorkshire. As the largest diocese in England, geographically, the area is very diverse, featuring a multitude of needs and opportunities. This includes the bustling urban centres of York, Hull and Middlesbrough, the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park, and the incomparable Yorkshire Coast; as well as areas of deprivation in some of our urban and smaller rural and coastal communities.

Our mission and ministry relies on thousands of people – lay and ordained, volunteer and paid. Our diocesan teams provide a wide range of support services to our mission and ministry, including lifelong learning for ministry, the care of church buildings, and safeguarding. Together, we are striving to be a people who are ‘Living Christ’s Story’. We want to be a simpler, bolder, humbler church which in its diversity reflects the communities it serves. We are bringing renewed focus and fresh energy to achieving our aims:

• Becoming more like Christ
• Reaching those we currently don’t
• Growing in discipleship, influence and numbers
• Transforming our finances and structures

Informal enquiries are welcome:

The Archdeacon of Cleveland, Amanda Bloor | adcl@yorkdiocese.org| 01642 706095 
The Bishop of Whitby, Barry Hill | bishopofwhitby@yorkdiocese.org | 01642 593 273

The Diocese of York is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.  Find out more here:  Safeguarding in the Diocese of York

Appointment is subject to pre-appointment checks including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS disclosure. Under current immigration rules, it is not possible for us to appoint clergy who are not already eligible to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: Thurs 26 March, midday

Interview date: Wed 15 April