Thank you for your interest in the post of part-time Priest-in-Charge (0.5) for the parishes of Ampleforth with Oswaldkirk, Gilling East and Stonegrave.

This is an interesting and unusual group of rural parishes. The four parish churches are at the heart of their communities. There is a small but lively Church of England Voluntary Controlled primary school The area is popular for recreation and walking, attracting many visitors.

There is strong and able lay leadership. A model of priestly ministry, giving attention to a pastoral, teaching and sacramental ministry is valued. At the same time, within the context of the Diocese of York's vision of Living Christ's Story, there is potential for deepening of discipleship, the development of a variety of lay ministries, and growth. We would expect the appointee to take a full and collaborative part in the life of Northern Ryedale deanery, which includes the towns of Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside and Pickering.

The Anglican parish priest has a role in promoting good relationship with the Roman Catholic Abbey at Ampleforth, and its associated College (an independent secondary school) with a mutual commitment to prayer and service. There has been an important ministry to members of the College who are not Roman Catholics, including preparation for Confirmation.

You will find more information in the attached benefice profile and role description, though should you require more details or an information conversation please contact:

• The Area Dean, The Revd Gareth Atha, thevicar@pickeringchurch.com
• The Archdeacon of Cleveland, the Ven Dr Amanda Bloor, adcl@yorkdiocese.org / 01642 706 095
• The Bishop of Whitby, the Rt Revd Paul Ferguson, bishopofwhitby@yorkdiocese.org / 01642 593 273

Post Specific

• To encourage and enable collaboration and cooperation between the parishes whilst respecting their individual characters and styles of worship.
• To help strengthen confidence and outreach as we enter a post-Covid future.
• To work with the children and youth leader to grow ministries to families and children
• To be involved in the life of each community, including nurturing links with Ampleforth College, St Benedicts;s RC school ad St Hilda's CofE school
• To build up outreach through the Occasional Offices.
• To encourage and enable lay ministries of all kinds.

We are seeking:

• A priest from the central tradition of the church, faithful in the Ministry of the Word and Sacrament, who supports the priestly ministry of all.
• A good leader, with vision, able and committed to develop lay ministry in all its forms.
• A good communicator, preacher and teacher who will continue to develop pastoral ministry in conjunction with the laity
• A determination to grow the church in numbers, mission and spirituality.
• Someone who is keen to involve Christians of all traditions and to foster the links with other traditions in the area.
• A priest who is committed to developing a strong spiritual life for all, especially young people, and able and willing to be actively involved in local schools.
• A priest who is ecumenically minded, sympathetic to rural issues and prepared to work to strengthen the special qualities of each village community.

The Diocese of York takes in much of North and East Yorkshire, including the cities of York, Hull and Middlesbrough, and two National Parks. Extending from the River Tees to the River Humber, and from around the A1 road to the incomparable Yorkshire coast, the area is home to around 1.4 million people.

Welcome to the Diocese of York in the Church of England;

· a family of 579 churches and 125 schools in 442 parishes
· committed to the praise of God through Jesus Christ and service to others
· led and guided in their faith and work by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.

The appointment of a new Archbishop of York has encouraged the reshaping of the Diocesan vision and examination of our priorities. We are determined to become a simpler, bolder, humbler and more diverse church of missionary disciples which is Christ centred and Jesus shaped, ensuring in partnership with other churches that there is a Christian witness in every community. We wish to be a people who are ‘Living Christ’s Story.’

Visit our website here: Diocese of York