Thread: Curacy support Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
We have a thread for those going through the discernment process, and a job support thread, but I wondered if anyone else would value a support thread for those of us awaiting invitation to first title parishes.
I've had my meeting with the Bishop and DDO and am now waiting for a letter. With so many in college already having been invited to consider a title parish I feeo very isolated. How are others coping?
 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
I've had my letter and it isn't good news as I'm in an exporting diocese and I'm in the process of being, um, exported. I know it isn't personal but it feels rubbish.

Hey ho...

I hope you hear soon Jante.
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
Sorry to hear that Poppy. I;m in an importing diocese under normal circumstances but something niggles at me that I amy be released.
 

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Posted by Oferyas (# 14031) on :
 
Dear both, speaking as one who started in his Title parish in 1978, I'm looking forward to following this thread and hearing how much better things are now than they were then....

If, as I suspect, How Things Really Are doesn't quite reflect How Things Are Supposed To Be, then maybe I can even offer some support as well?
 

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Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
I was ordained in the 90's and I remember clearly the tension at the theological college at the start of the last year.

First of all, there were the smug so and sos who knew that they were being kept on by their sponsoring dioceses (usually because they were the ones who had been busily sucking up to their bishops for some time). These people were a real pain as they never missed an opportunity to remind you that they were sorted and that they really felt (in a condescending way) for anyone who hadn't got a post by the end of September.

Then there were the ones who were so particular about their requirements that they dismissed a number of possible posts for apparently no reason. It was too rural or too urban; it was not evangelical enough or not charismatic enough.

And as more and more people got places, those remaining to find anything became increasingly worried and even desperate.

I was in a strange position in that I was one of the first to be potentially placed, but the vicar of the parish was about to retire and so no final decision could be made until he had left, a new incumbent had been appointed and he had had a chance to meet me and decide if we could work together. So in the end, I was one of the LAST people to be finally sorted.

My advice (based on all I saw and experienced that year) would be as follows:

• Don't pay any attention to what anyone else is doing or saying.
• Be prepared to move outside your comfort zone in terms of church tradition or geographical location (I know from countless conversations with DDOs across the country that unwillingness to be flexible is one of the biggest problems in placing curates.)
• Look VERY CAREFULLY at the prospective training incumbent. If this relationship works, a curacy can be great fun, even for a townie in a rural group or an evangelical in an Aff-Cath parish. If the relationship doesn't work, everything else will be awful as well.
• If you go to a parish that has a history of curacy posts, make sure that the parish doesn't have a predetermined idea of what you will do, based on "that's what the last curate did". You shouldn't be forced into a mould of someone else's making
• Try and find out from existing curates in the diocese what they think of the way the diocese supports curates. Some dioceses are very good - others are worth avoiding like the plague.

quote:

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Don't pay any attention to what anyone else is doing or saying.
Be prepared to move outside your comfort zone in terms of church tradition or geographical location (I know from countless conversations with DDOs across the country that unwillingness to be flexible is one of the biggest problems in placing curates.)
Look VERY CAREFULLY at the prospective training incumbent. If this relationship works, a curacy can be great fun, even for a townie in a rural group or an evangelical in an Aff-Cath parish. If the relationship doesn't work, everything else will be awful as well.
If you go to a parish that has a history of curacy posts, make sure that the parish doesn't have a predetermined idea of what you will do, based on "that's what the last curate did". You shouldn't be forced into a mould of someone else's making
Try and find out from existing curates in the diocese what they think of the way the diocese supports curates. Some dioceses are very good - others are worth avoiding like the plague.

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Thanks Oscar, I am willing to be flexible , though at the moment the problem is more not having anything to even consider. I have been told by my diocese that they intend to offer me something and I have chatted to current curates in the diocese who seem to be happy with their support. I suppose all I can do is be patient- something that the long journey here should have taught me.
 

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Posted by Amos (# 44) on :
 
Stopping in to wave a hand and the promise of prayers, support, and any useful advice I can muster. This is an anxious time for those awaiting curacies, and a great time to mug up on the meaning of 'adiaphora'. The training incumbent is the all-important feature of the curacy. Where that works, everything else falls into place. While I'd agree with everything people have said about not being too fussy, I'd also FIRMLY emphasize the other side. Don't get so desperate that you agree to a curacy that feels all wrong. My first curacy was with someone who had written in to the Bishop every year asking for a curate, in the same way that a child begs for a pony every Christmas. And then a week after she finally gets one, decides that what she really wanted was a bicycle.
When you find your curacy, a working agreement is a good idea. Make sure it includes your saying the morning office together: that's something that cannot be assumed.
 

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Posted by Bagpuss (# 2925) on :
 
Hope you both get sorted Poppy and Jante

I am SSM and have been very lucky to get sorted with a great incumbent very locally, not quite as high churchmanship as I would refer but as others have said there has to be compromise somewhere and the relationship is a priority, plus I figure the expereince of something slighty out of my comfort zone will do me good.

I have friends going through what you are at the moment in a diocese who seem to be ordaining half the county next Petertide - so I feel your pain.

The whole process is challenging enough without this bit too! xx
 

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Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
I'd echo everything that has been said about the relationship with the incumbent. You don't have to be best friends, but you do have to want the relationship to work, and to do all that you can to make it so...both of you.

Churchmanship is probably less important, IMHO, as you will only be a curate for 3 - 4 years and it can be a good learning experience to be stretched in this area.
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
Update- email from my DDO letting me know that title posts won't be offered before beginning of September so at least I now know.
 

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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
The other one I would say, as someone who works in a training parish, do take advantage of every opportunity. No, it may not be something you ever do again, and yes, you may hate every moment of it, but, really, it does not make you popular turning things down as 'not in your comfort zone' when you're there to learn and try new things.
 

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Posted by GrahamR (# 11299) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by St Everild:
I'd echo everything that has been said about the relationship with the incumbent. You don't have to be best friends, but you do have to want the relationship to work, and to do all that you can to make it so...both of you.

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quote:

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Originally posted by St Everild:
Churchmanship is probably less important, IMHO, as you will only be a curate for 3 - 4 years and it can be a good learning experience to be stretched in this area.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Curiosity killed ...:
The other one I would say, as someone who works in a training parish, do take advantage of every opportunity. No, it may not be something you ever do again, and yes, you may hate every moment of it, but, really, it does not make you popular turning things down as 'not in your comfort zone' when you're there to learn and try new things.

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Quite! Although, what you really need to do as a curate is learn ways of saying 'no' (at least to some stuff!) to both your incumbent and the congregation in ways that don't get people's backs up!
 

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Posted by Bagpuss (# 2925) on :
 
My curacy was announced this weekend
I'm sure the time will fly until next June.
 

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Posted by GrahamR (# 11299) on :
 
Congratulations Bagpuss!

 

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Posted by Birdseye (# 5280) on :
 
What do you mean by 'announced' Bagpuss... do you mean, in the training parish itself?
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
for you Bagpuss so pleased to hear that you are sorted.
 

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Posted by Divine Outlaw Dwarf (# 2252) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Bagpuss:
My curacy was announced this weekend
I'm sure the time will fly until next June.

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Congrats!
 

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Posted by Adeodatus (# 4992) on :
 
Aside from any considerations of having to be further away from family and friends, I wouldn't be too worried about being in an exporting diocese. I was "exported" (to a neighbouring diocese) 19 years ago, and it couldn't have worked out better. My incumbent was simply the best priest I've ever worked with, and those three years were the happiest of my ministry. He taught me loads, and gave me the space to learn even more. He was gentle with my mistakes, but made sure I learned from them, too. He took the training element of the curacy seriously, but recognised (in a way my theological college never did) that I already had gifts and skills that I could use - including some that he didn't have.

That, I would humbly suggest, is the kind of incumbent to look for.
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
Thanks Adeodatus,
Thats the kind of training incumbent I'm praying for!
 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
That is encouraging Adeodatus and the neigbouring diocese does have a huge amount of postives. It is just the waiting that is getting to me as it feels as if everyone else has something sorted and I'm left like the kid that no one wanted on the team in school sports. I know this isn't how it is but it plays into some deep seated stuff as I was the kid that noone wanted in school sports!!
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
We need a curate.
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
I loved that cartoon when I saw it in the Church Times. I'd love to come to creamtealand again if wodnerful Derbyshire doesn't want me.
 

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Posted by Adeodatus (# 4992) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Poppy:
That is encouraging Adeodatus and the neigbouring diocese does have a huge amount of postives. It is just the waiting that is getting to me as it feels as if everyone else has something sorted and I'm left like the kid that no one wanted on the team in school sports. I know this isn't how it is but it plays into some deep seated stuff as I was the kid that noone wanted in school sports!!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Birdseye:
What do you mean by 'announced' Bagpuss... do you mean, in the training parish itself?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Birdseye:
Righto, thanks... just wondering how that bit takes place, it's all very hush-hush before that innit!

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LOL yep, basically I got a letter from the Bishop suggesting where they would like me to go. I contacted the vicar, met up, met the churchwardens, toured the churches etc. Both went away for a while to pray and think about it and spoke to each other to say we were both happy to go ahead.

Slightly off tnagent - bemused thought - it's almost like a carefully arranged marriage by the bishop!

Then I got a formal letter of offer from vicar with Bishop's chaplain copied in, I accepted formally - likewise with copying in and then diocese told us when we could announce it and it was done on the same day in my home parish and new training parish.
 

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Posted by Avila (# 15541) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Bagpuss:

quote:

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Originally posted by Birdseye:
Righto, thanks... just wondering how that bit takes place, it's all very hush-hush before that innit!

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LOL yep, basically I got a letter from the Bishop suggesting where they would like me to go. I contacted the vicar, met up, met the churchwardens, toured the churches etc. Both went away for a while to pray and think about it and spoke to each other to say we were both happy to go ahead.

Slightly off tnagent - bemused thought - it's almost like a carefully arranged marriage by the bishop!

:

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quote:

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Originally posted by Avila:

quote:

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Originally posted by Bagpuss:

quote:

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Originally posted by Birdseye:
Righto, thanks... just wondering how that bit takes place, it's all very hush-hush before that innit!

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LOL yep, basically I got a letter from the Bishop suggesting where they would like me to go. I contacted the vicar, met up, met the churchwardens, toured the churches etc. Both went away for a while to pray and think about it and spoke to each other to say we were both happy to go ahead.

Slightly off tnagent - bemused thought - it's almost like a carefully arranged marriage by the bishop!

:

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The whole UK Methodist stationing system is based on this arranged marriage approach - though after the first appointment (where you are sent and no veto) you do get to see the vacancies and express an interest/preference.

ETA - the deacons are always sent.

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The Baptists operate more like a dating agency. Names and details of final year students looking for a church are passed on. The church will then pray over them and contact the student if they want to take it further. (There's more about the whole process in my blog if anyone's interested).

Tubbs
 

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Posted by Panda (# 2951) on :
 
When my husband was in this situation, he was one of the very last in his college to be fixed up. First the bishop sent him to look at a well-known training parish in his sponsoring diocese, without checking to see that all concerned were in agreement over OofW - they weren't, so that was the end of that, and he was released.

Then he was invited to go and look at a parish in Wales, and the incumbent was thrilled to have him at the interview, but then the bishop (a different bishop) stepped in and said, "No, they don't need a curate, I need you to go somewhere else" - this, without actually being my husband's bishop, mind! In all good faith we went and looked round, but the house was appalling, and when we pointed this out, the bishop got a bit cross and made some nasty comments about my husband's vocation being related to how the nice the accommodation was. So we departed a long way from that diocese, and so the college principal pulled out his shoebox-full of hopeful training parishes, and said 'Try this one,' so we did.

We went and looked the following Sunday, and went for it. That was mid-March, I believe.

Now it's my turn, but I am in Wales, so I am waiting to be told!
 

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Posted by Birdseye (# 5280) on :
 
Argh! That all sounds horrendously scary!
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
Still waiting to hear from the diocese, despite learning yesterday that another training praish in the diocese has been in discussions with a prospective curate for 6 weeks!

 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
Oh poor you
 

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Posted by Amos (# 44) on :
 
Six weeks is a long time. What are they dickering over, I wonder.

Keep your cool. It's still pretty early in the game. If this were Lent you'd have some reason to be a bit worried.
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
Thnaks Poppy and Amos, had an meeting with our principal this morning and on his advice have emailed the Bishop.
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
Update a parish profile was emailed from the Bishop's office this morning. Now awaiting a call back from the incumbent to arrange a visit.
Thanks for all the encouragement and prayers
 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
Oh how exciting!!!
 

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Posted by Panda (# 2951) on :
 
I know in Wales you are Told and that's basically it, but I get the impression that the decision is made entirely without asking what an ordinand thinks. The bishop meets with the archdeacons, and the DDO, but none of these good folk, as far as I'm aware, will actually want to meet with me at any point. I'm a bit worried that I will be just filling a slot to be an extra pair of hands, TBH.

The fact that half the clerics of my deanery, and the next nearest well-known training parish are anti-women is no help either...
 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
Oh dear - sounds tricky.

I'm not in a good place right now as the parish I've been to see seems to want something else in terms of age profile, experience, churchmanship etc, etc and I think that it will be a no from them.

So back into curate clearing
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
Poppy.
Looked out for you last night but didn't see you
 

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Posted by Bagpuss (# 2925) on :
 
Poppy - I hope it all sorts itself out. Hopefully it isn't just the diocese and God has a hand in there somewhere too
 

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Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
I know someone looking for a curate, who i dont think has done much yet. I hope he finds someone as good as you lot for next year!

(wanted to give you all hope)


 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
Ferijen
 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
National curate clearing has now started and there is something that looks hopeful. So what are good questions to ask when looking around a possible title post?
 

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Posted by Chelley (# 11322) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Poppy:
National curate clearing has now started and there is something that looks hopeful. So what are good questions to ask when looking around a possible title post?

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My training incumbent used to say that most clergy fall into one of two categories - workaholic or bone idle! Perhaps you could ask which category the incumbent would consider themselves to be in!
 

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Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
I asked mine what he considered his worst failing to be...he was very honest, and I found out in the course of time that he was spot on!
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
I find it very frustrating to read posts on here about people wanting to be curates and finding it difficult to get a placement - because in my diocese the story is that there is a shortage of trainee priests and that is the reason why churches are not being given curates at the moment. I can't help wondering whether it is really all about money? (And if it is, I'd rather they were honest.)
 

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Posted by Amos (# 44) on :
 
It is all about money, Chorister. There are plenty of ordinands in 'exporting' dioceses who would be delighted to serve their titles in one of the parishes of Creamtealand.

Re. Questions while visiting parish: The questions you ask should be real questions: things you actually want to know. The most important question is, as I've said earlier, the character and priestliness of the training incumbent. You can't find out about that by direct questioning, but can attend to it in all kinds of other ways, just as you would if you were meeting anyone and deciding whether they would make a good friend/teacher/whatever. Pay attention to the questions YOU are asked, and what is said about the parish, and the general attitude to God, the Church, and people which it displays. I know of someone who was told in such an interview: 'We have two requirements for curates in this benefice. That they wear black shoes and don't get married.' He went elsewhere. Find out if they say the Morning Office together.

PS I would be suspicious of anyone who thought the principal division within the clergy was between the workaholic and the bone idle. It isn't.

[ 10. November 2011, 12:33: Message edited by: Amos ]
 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
It is a wierd process as it is both a job interview and discerning where God is in all of this. Thanks for the suggestions.
 

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Posted by Panda (# 2951) on :
 
It's a lot about money, and sometimes it's about accommodation - many churches don't have a house to offer a full-time curate. Or, as in our parish, they have a house but it's being lived in by someone else who's paying rent.

I am given to believe I should be hearing about my curacy within the next week. Non-negotiable, I expect. Hopefully I won't want or need to negotiate...

[ 10. November 2011, 19:28: Message edited by: Panda ]
 

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Posted by shamwari (# 15556) on :
 
As a mere Methodist this seems to me to be a crazy system.

Traumatic for all concerned.

My thoughts and prayers are with all.
 

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Posted by Amos (# 44) on :
 
Accommodation is about money. The renting out of empty parsonages is about money.
 

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Posted by leo (# 1458) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Poppy:
It is a wierd process as it is both a job interview and discerning where God is in all of this.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Amos:


PS I would be suspicious of anyone who thought the principal division within the clergy was between the workaholic and the bone idle. It isn't.

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I don't think there was an implication that it was a principal division or that everyone falls into one or the other category, it was just an observation he'd made having encountered a lot of clergy. It is a rather tongue in cheek suggestion, but perhaps finding out how likely a training incumbent is to guard a day off, and likewise encourage the curate to do the same might be a more useful suggestion. I've met clergy all along the spectrum and working with someone who can never say "no" or with someone who spends more time out of the parish than in it, might not be the most helpful beginnings for ministry?
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
Its been awhile since anyone posted- I wonder if all those seeking curacy for 2012 are now sorted?
I am pleased to announce that I am to serve my curacy in the Wirksworth Team Ministry. I'm thrilled and really looking forward to returning to Derbyshire.
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
We've taken on extra churches in our team, and had our curate taken away. Seems like a double whammy to me.

At least reading this thread I know that some places still have them.
 

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Posted by Codepoet (# 5964) on :
 
Chorister,
Reading your comments on your own situation, I feel moved to make a few comments about how the system works, and how it needs to be viewed, by incumbent, curate and importantly by the parish.
The key thing to recognise is that a curacy is a training post. It is limited in its duration (4 years max) and its purpose is to prepare the curate for their next post. The post does not exist on account of the needs of the parish. Similarly the post does not automatically continue with a new curate after 4 years. The thing that decides if a parish gets a curate or not is whether the incumbant would be a good trainer for a particular curate. Obviously factors such as a diverse context can improve the training oppertunites the a post will offer, but it is the incumbant that is the key.
Housing is also an issue, but at the end of the day houses can get let/sold and can be rented/bought in order to ensure that housing is available in the place where it is needed. It is nice if an available house can be used, but that should not be the deciding factor.
It should also be said that curates are not there to "do work". Training the curate will take up the vicar's time too, so it should not be assumed that there will be dramtically more stuff getting done with a curate around (although the curate should become more productive as time goes on). I think that I good question to ask when visiting a potential curacy parish is "do you need some help / an extra pair of hands" If the answer is "yes" then beware - a curacy where the curate is viewed as coming to shoulder the burden is perhaps not going to be the best training experience.
Finally it is worth pointing out that dioceses import and export because the number of ordinands they produce does not match the posts available in that diocese. The number of posts available is (as I understand it) set nationally by a system called "the Shefield formula" that determines how many clergy each diocese should have to ensure that they are not taking on more than their fair share of those nationally available. This is not to do with money, it is about ensuring that there are vicars in the North as well as the South (apparently there is a general tendency for vicars to want to move south, and exporting dioceses tend to be more in the south than the north). Having said all this, some diocese are naughty and if they have got the money will take on more clergy than their fair share (I think Chichester is an example I have heard in conversation). The main reason that some dioceses are always exporting is that demographically they have a larger number of people that typically put themselves forward for training. London and Oxford are the two biggest exporters - I would be interested to hear various theories as to why this is.

I am not wanting to have a pop a Chorister, but when I hear parishoners getting protective about their parish's curacy post, I feel for the curate whose parishoners view her as a symbol of the status of the parish.
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
That is a very interesting explanation, thank you Codepoet, and mentions several points I have not heard explained before. As we have been a training parish since time immemorial, and have always had a curate (being a town parish with several smaller village churches joined in, and only one incumbent) I guess, yes, most of us are expecting the situation to continue.
 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
I'm going to be a curate in a parish that has always had one. It has already been flagged up as an issue and I'm told the previous curate did make it clear that she was in training and not an extra pair of hands but I'm sure some will have forgoten it in the period between her going and my arriving.
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
That's interesting too, Poppy: I hope you don't mind me asking those training to be curates whether they therefore perceive the situation to have changed over the last few years? I ask because in the history of curates at churches I've been to is that they very much have jumped in, got stuck in, got their hands dirty and done almost as much as the incumbent in all areas of parish ministry, almost from the word go. And as a trainee teacher, many years ago, my experience during teaching practice was the same. But, as a result of posts on this thread, I am now wondering - what is the current balance / what balance is now seen as good practice between learning-by-doing and learning-by-studying?
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
As far as I'm conmcerned I will jump in and do what ever is expected of me. However my Training Vicar has already told me not to fill my diary up but to allow space to reflect and study as well. But it is still the case that curacy is a learning time, we don;t come fully trained and with great tracts of experience and so have to be allowed the time to develop.
 

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Posted by Codepoet (# 5964) on :
 
I think that the appropriate response to the start of a curacy it to jump in and get busy. Indeed it is very hard not to do so, as it is what you see your whole life and calling as having being moving you towards doing. Normally the day after ordination a new curate is busting at the seams to get stuck in. Certainly my own experience is that I have loads to do, and I rellish doing it.
However, what has changed recently is the way in which curacies are assessed. In the old days at the end of the curacy the training incumbant would give a wink and a nod to the bishop to say "he's a good'un" and the bishop would find you a new post. Now the curacy has to be backed up by a paper trail that shows you reflecting on your experiences of learning throughout the curacy, as measured against a national set of criteria. (Last week as it happens I engaged with this document for the first time in 18 monthes, and it took me over an hour to read the whole thing!)
So, while it is one thing for the vicar who is responsible for training, and has a hand in overseeing the paper trail throwing work at the curate so he can get stuck it, it is something entirely different for the parishoners to have expectations for how much extra work will get done, when they are not privy to the learning experience going on behind the scenes.

[ 09. January 2012, 13:23: Message edited by: Codepoet ]
 

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Posted by Panda (# 2951) on :
 
Indeed, indeed. Our bishop has made it clear (in the face of some disgruntlement, I think) that curates are not to be viewed as an extra pair of hands, meaning, they will not be sent to a parish that needs help, but rather to an incumbent who can be relied upon to train them. Often such an incumbent is running a busy parish, so the curate is well appreciated.

I now know where my curacy will be, and it happens to be where I'm already on placement, so I can just leave my cassock on the hook! It's not quite what I thought it would be so there was a bit of disappointment at first, but I'm getting my head around it. It'll be nice that I'm not starting from scratch, in a sense.
 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
Wot Codepoet said!!!!

These days there is learning by studying and learning by doing but it is followed by proving that learning has occured. This is done by reflecting on the learning and commenting on the sources that you have used and this all takes time. A friend who qualified as a teacher on the graduate training programme had the same portfolio based learning system so I think it must be fairly standard in adult learning.
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Those are all very helpful comments, thank you.
 

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Posted by Bagpuss (# 2925) on :
 
Well, things are drawing nearer.
Got my ordination retreat programme today. Also got my first baptism and wedding booked!

Baptism shortly after ordination - wedding in 12 months just after priesting - for a friend - have warned her she will be my guinea pig!
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
Hi Bagpuss,
Yes it is definitely feeling close!
I have my first sermon and assembly in the diary and a number of weddings to accompany the Training Incumbent to. Also got the IME programme until Christmas, PCC dates etc so my diary is already filling up. I'm excited and nervous and thrilled in equal measures.
For you and all others approaching ordination
 

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Posted by Nunc Dimittis (# 848) on :
 
It really is amazing to watch shipmates go from discernment to ordination! And a bit weird to look back on having done the same myself...

Prayers for you both, Bagpuss and Jante. Will you be ordained at Petertide?
 

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Posted by Panda (# 2951) on :
 
I'm finishing my last two essays EVER, as I just put on the 'Send me' thread, but I guess I belong here more now - changes, changes everywhere!

I've ordered some clericals, though they haven't arrived yet. I was annoyed to lose a preaching scarf on ebay, so I still have to get that!

My training incumbent has asked me what I would like (something I can use, he suggests) as an ordination gift from my new parish. I think I'm all right for stoles, so I'm thinking. Any suggestions?
 

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Posted by Anselmina (# 3032) on :
 
They could contribute to a home communion set. That's something you'll use (I assume) within the parish itself. Of if it's part of your churchmanship, and oil stock?
 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
I've finished all my portfolios and have a moving date into the new house. It feels like only 5 minutes ago that I went to the BAP. Now I'm trying to sort out 20+ years of stuff that 'might be useful one day' in the loft so that we can get into a smaller house and be ready to move again at the end of the curacy.
 

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Posted by Bagpuss (# 2925) on :
 
I've got a cloak as a present - nice wool one for wet, windy funerals and processions.

Likewise, have IME dates.

Also on last 2 essays - but not forever - in my dreams! More to come with IME!

And yep, I am a Petertide ordination.
 

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