Role of the Curate

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 member of the clergy team (akin to an assistant pastor) The Curate serves for a three-year term.

The office of Curate at St. Peter and 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 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 Canada, and this position provides comprehensive training and equipping (not unlike an apprenticeship 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 other ministries that are assigned by the Rector or Bishop.

Requirements for Applying:
•      Completion or nearing completion of Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, or equivalent degree.
•      Ordained or seeking ordination in ANiC / ACNA as a transitional deacon or priest.
•       A history of being a servant leader in the church, workplace, and/or volunteer organizations.

Character of the Curate
•      Devout follower of Jesus 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 Scripture.
·      Motivated to learn and gain education.
•      Character in accordance to 1Tim 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, and assisting at Sunday Services, as well as mid-week and special services.
•      Presiding and/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 Ministry
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.
•      Responsible for recruiting, training and equipping lay leaders to serve.
•      Providing Pastoral support to youth and their families.
•      The youth group participates in several outings and at least one retreat a year, which are planned by the Curate.

College & Careers
Thursdays, 6-8pm
•      Discipling, teaching, and praying with the young adults of the parish.
•      Leading weekly ministry on Thursday evenings and overseeing food schedule and study.
•      Participating in the uOttawa Church Crawl (September), as well as other outreach events whenever possible.

Families
•      Working closely with the Children and Family Director to provide discipleship and pastoral care to the families of the parish, to maintain continuity between Junior Church and Youth Group. Also, may include parenting education, marriage prep, baptism, confirmation and first communion education.
•      Organizing regular parish family events and outings for persons of all ages:
o   Christmas Family Service
o   Good Friday Family Service
o   Parish Retreat (First week in June)
o   Church picnic

Other areas of parish involvement include:
•      Missions and Outreach Focus Group (The curate serves as the clergy representative)
•      Evangelism Focus Group (The curate serves as the chair and provides oversight to various ministries)
o   Alpha (We run two courses a year, fall and winter)
o   Christmas Sing-a-long (First Sunday of Advent)
o   Canada Day Water Project
•      Internship Supervision (Providing direction/pastoral oversight as applicable)
•      Parish Council (Preparing curate report; participating as observer without vote)
•      Christmas Dinner (assist with its coordination, provide pastoral presence on the day)

Additional responsibilities
•      Attending diocesan synod as a voting member of the House of Clergy
•      Diocesan responsibilities as requested by Bishop (and approved by Rector)
•      Guarding the Faith under the direction of the Bishop &Rector
•      Keeping healthy vocational and family boundaries and schedules
•      Ministry within the wider Ottawa church community with the 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:
•        RRSP Pension Plan with Employer/Employee contributions
•        Health plan, including prescription coverage
•        Vision care and dental benefits

You will be entitled to 3 weeks of annual paid vacation and 1 week annual continuing education leave, in addition to statutory holidays, sick days, and any additional time at the Rector’s discretion.

Upon review, if you feel qualified and moved to being considered for the position, please submit your application (cover letter and resume/CV) by email.