Role of the Curate July 2020
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St Peter & St Paul’s Anglican Church Ottawa Role of the Curate Updated July 2020 The term “Curate” (as found in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer) has historically meant the incumbent of a benefice; that is, the person licensed by the diocesan Bishop to the “cure of souls.” At St Peter & St Paul’s, the Curate is the junior-most member of the staff clergy team (akin to an assistant pastor). The Curate serves for a term no longer than three years. The office of the Curate at St Peter & St Paul’s has been both historic and novel. It is historic in the sense that the office has existed for more than one hundred years of parish history and many of its previous Rectors first served as Curate. It is novel in the sense that there are few full-time Curacies available in the Anglican Network in Cana- da, and this position provides comprehensive training and equipping (not unlike an ap- prenticeship or medical residency) in a dynamic urban setting. It is understood that the Curate is to be lawfully obedient to the diocesan Bishop and to the Rector. As a member of the Clergy team, the Curate will be called to worship, preach, teach, and offer pastoral care to the Parish and its members, and execute oth- er ministries that are assigned by the Rector or Bishop. Character of the Curate • Devout follower of Christ • Desires to be “diligent in prayers, and in reading of the Holy Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same” (BCP) • Person of integrity and lawfully obedient to Bishop and Rector • Follows the moral teaching of the Scripture • Driven to learn and gain education • Character in accordance to 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Acts 6:3 • Can articulate their sense of call by God into ordained ministry • Heart for evangelism and discipleship • Comfortable and capable leadership within the “three streams of Anglicanism” (evangelical, catholic, and charismatic) • Can work in a team setting, alongside other clergy and a significant number of lay leaders The focus ministries for the Curate are: Worship Sundays, Midweek • Regularly celebrating, preaching, or otherwise assisting at Sunday services, as well as mid-week and special services • Presiding or assisting at baptisms, weddings, and funerals as required • Regularly leading morning prayer • Preparing weekly altar book(s) • Providing oversight to the acolyte ministry St P&P’s Youth Sundays, 6-8pm; Grades 6-12 • Leading the current weekly youth group with the help of lay leaders and interns when available. Serving as primary teacher, focussing on Worship, discipleship, and fellowship • Providing Pastoral support to youth and families • The youth group participates in a number of outings and at least one retreat a year, which are planned by the Curate • Participating in the meet the pastor breakfast at St Timothy’s Quo Vadis (QV) Young Adults Wednesdays, 6:30-9pm; Ages 18-30 • Disciple, teach, and pray with the young adults of the parish • Leading weekly QV ministry on Wednesday evenings, and overseeing food schedule and study • Participating in the Laurentian Leadership Centre’s pastor’s breakfast and the Ottawa Church Crawl, as well as other outreach events • Planning and leading an annual retreat Families (Christmas & Good Friday Family Services; Parish Family Special Events) • Providing discipleship and pastoral care to the families of the parish. This may include parenting education, marriage preparation, baptism, confirmation, and first communion education • Planning and leading the annual spontaneous Christmas pageant service • Organizing regular parish family events and outings for persons of all ages Other areas of parish involvement include: • Internship Supervision (providing direction/pastoral oversight) • Parish Council (preparing Curate report, participating as non-voting observer) • Plan to Protect Committee (Curate serves as clergy representative) • Canada Day Water Project • Christmas Dinner (assist with coordination, provide pastoral presence) • Teaching: Occasional teaching within the Adult Education time as well as other bible study opportunities as directed Additional responsibilities • Attending diocesan synod as a voting member of the House of Clergy • Diocesan responsibilities as requested by the Bishop (and approved by Rector) • Guarding the Faith under the direction of the Bishop and Rector • Keeping healthy vocational and family boundaries and schedules • Ministry within the wider Ottawa church community with Rector’s consent Stipend and benefits In addition to an agreed-upon annual stipend, you will be fully enrolled in our diocesan benefits plan (for you and your immediate family), which includes: • Employer contributes 10% to RRSP pension, and employee contributes 4% • Health plan, including 100% prescription in most cases • Extended health: hospital semi-private, and paramedical coverage up to limits • Vision care: $200 every two years • Dental: 80% visits, 80% minor procedures, 50% major procedures You will be entitled to three weeks of annual paid vacation and one week annual con- tinuing education leave, in addition to statutory holidays, sick days, and time that the Rector gives you leave for rest or retreat, at his discretion..