Vicar of Benefice of Clitheroe, Downham and Chatburn

This job has now expired
Clitheroe
Office Holder

Could you be the next vicar of this market town, where the church is at the centre and the community wants their vicar to be a visible sign of God’s presence among them?

  • St Mary’s Clitheroe is a civic, landmark building in the centre of the market town of Clitheroe with a strong musical and eucharistic tradition
  • Clitheroe is a vibrant, energetic and growing market town with a strong sense of community and excellent shops (including Booth’s!)
  • The benefice includes three other beautiful churches in good order, serving the community of Low Moor and the villages of Chatburn and Downham
  • There is in post a wonderful stipendiary colleague who has oversight of two of the four churches, and active retired clergy
  • There is able lay leadership across the four parishes with good administrative support
  • The Parishes have strong links with local schools, including Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and a Church School at Chatburn
  • The parishes meet their parish share in full

We are looking for a priest who will:

  • Seek to develop the potential of the people, buildings and resources of our churches so that we grow as “healthy churches transforming our community”
  • Help us to make disciples, be witnesses, grow leaders and inspire children and young people for Jesus Christ, within the Diocese of Blackburn’s Vision 2026
  • Develop and strengthen the ministry to young people both in schools and in church organisations.
  • Enjoy, appreciate and work with the variety of worship offered by four different parishes within one Benefice, from contemporary to Book of Common Prayer

The priest we are praying for is:

  • Someone who communicates the Gospel clearly and accessibly and helps the congregation to live it.
  • Someone who will rejoice in the Eucharistic and choral traditions of the Parishes and will enjoy leading both traditional and more informal forms of worship.
  • A “Heart in Heaven and feet on the ground” person who is approachable and a good listener and who will have a strong ministry of presence across the communities

For information about Blackburn diocese please follow this link https://jobs.churchofengland.org/blackburn/vision-2026/

For information on making an application through Pathways please follow this link

https://jobs.churchofengland.org/HELP/candidate-faq/

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Area Dean, Jonathan Carmyllie (Email: j.carmyllie@btinternet.com, Telephone 01254 824679)

Closing date for applications: Thursday 2nd March 12 noon

Interview date: Friday 24th March