Following the retirement of William Prescott after sixteen years of service, the Benefice is currently without a rector. Services are continuing as usual, and we are grateful to lay readers and visiting clergy who are supporting us during this period.
We must now follow the Church of England process to appoint a new incumbent. The following steps will happen:
- Leadership and Administration: The churchwardens and the Area Dean take on additional responsibilities. They manage the day-to-day operations of each parish and ensure that services and pastoral care continue.
- Sequestration: Churchwardens become sequestrators of the benefice, meaning that they act as trustees of the parish’s income, which includes fees from weddings, baptisms and funerals.
- Reflection and Planning: This period is often seen as a time for each parish to reflect on its needs and future direction. It can be an opportunity for the congregation to come together and reassess their mission and goals.
- Appointment process: The process of finding a new priest involves consultations with the benefice, the diocese, and sometimes the patron of the living. This can take many months.
During this period, our benefice administrator, Dawn Morris, can be contacted with any queries and she will endeavour to direct any questions to the relevant people within the benefice. The email address is: administrator@chobenefice.co.uk.
It is our intention to keep everyone informed of progress and any help or input required.
In conclusion, we would like to wish William well in his retirement and look forward to appointing his replacement as soon as we are able.