Clergy

Clergy can do a variety of jobs.  Most clergy are licensed by the bishop to serve in a parish. Many are in charge of a parish, or more often, a group of parishes. They usually have the title Rector, Vicar or Priest in Charge.  These clergy are responsible for the pastoral care of those who live in their parishes and with their church council (called the Parochial Church Council or PCC) are responsible for arranging church services and the upkeep of the church buildings and churchyard.  Other clergy are licensed as ‘Associate’ or ‘Assistant’ priests.  These clergy help out in parishes. 

The final group of clergy licensed to parishes are those that have just been ordained.  These are called curates and they serve in parishes  for about three years while they ‘learn the ropes’. They are first ordained deacon by a bishop.  Usually after a year the bishop ordains them as a priest, although a few do choose to stay as deacons.  A deacon is a serving role and focuses on pastoral work.  Deacons are not able to lead communion services.  

When clergy retire some wish to carry on helping out in parishes.  If they just help in one parish, or one group of parishes, they are often licensed by the bishop as assistant priests.  If they prefer to to work in a variety of parishes the bishop can give them Permission to Officiate (PTO).

A few clergy don't work in parishes at all, but instead work in prisons, schools, hospitals or other such institutions.  These are called chaplains.  Find out more about these priests here.

For Welcomes & Farewells click here.

Find your local parish priest

To find your local parish priest click here, or contact the Diocesan Office.