What we are seeking in a new Priest-in-charge.

  • A priest who is enthusiastic about children and families

  • A priest who will encourage lay-led innovation - development of new initiatives and programs

  • A priest who will support St Michael's love of music and dedication to high quality musical programs

  • We seek someone who is forward thinking about how to we can work with other parishes and denominations to do God's work.

The Responsibilities of the Laity for this position.

  • Lay leadership will be responsible for all fiduciary responsibilities other than the Priest's discretionary fund.  However, the priest will let lay leadership know of any initiatives or needs that will require support.

  • Laity will be responsible for any non-worship related activities including things like Ashes-to-Go, Stations of the Cross in Lent, and Children's Stations of the Cross.  It will be the responsibility of the lay leader of the event to check with the priest to ensure that it theologically and liturgically sound.

  • Laity will be responsible for all fellowship development in the church.  The priest will let lay leadership know of any opportunities that they think should be developed.  But the works of programming, advertising, and performance will be lay responsibility.  The priest may attend as his/her/their time and inclination leads them.

  • The lay leadership of the parish is responsible for the care, maintenance, and stewardship of the church building and grounds.

  • Lay leadership will be responsible for the contracts of all staff and outside vendors for services supplied to the church.

Part-time Priest-in-Charge for St Michael’s-on-the-Heights

KEY ROLES  

1. To act as Priest and spiritual guide for the congregation of St Michael’s-on-the-Heights, Worcester, MA.  

2. To maintain and develop the involvement and participation of young families in St Michael’s worship.  

3. To provide enthusiastic council and direction for the future development of St Michael’s.  

4. To maintain excellent, friendly and transparent communications with all church lay groups.  

5. To build on existing ecumenical relationships with other churches in the local area.  

6. To conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other sacraments as called upon spiritually and in accordance with the Canons of the Episcopal Church of the USA. 

KEY TASKS  

Priest  

1. To preside and preach at regular Sunday morning services (time to be determined based if there are shared clergy duties with another parish – at present St Michael’s has weekly services at 10am) and special services within the liturgical year, overseeing and supporting the participation of lay members. 

2. To attend to the pastoral needs of the whole congregation, especially those who are old or ill and unable to attend services.  

3. To support and encourage the children in the church, lead a monthly children’s service, and advise the child education leader on the interpretation and meaning of significant days in the liturgical calendar and the meaning of the readings; so that they are accurately reflected in our children’s education program.  

4. To be a visible face to the public of the love and grace of God that we hope to promote at St Michael’s-on-the-Height 

5. The priest will serve as a compassionate spiritual guide, nurturing the faith journey of individuals and families through preaching, pastoral care, and presence—grounded in the inclusive, resilient, and loving spirit that defines the St. Michael’s community. 

Management/Administration  

1. To chair the meetings of the St Michael’s Vestry, and the Annual General Meeting of the congregation.  

2. To provide direct supervision of the Parish Administrator and oversee the work of our Music Director and Children’s Education Leader.  Key will be reviewing the bulletin to ensure that it correctly reflects the theological meaning of the service. 

3. Ensure that St Michael’s is meeting key standards of the Episcopal Church, especially in relationship to vulnerable populations.  

3. Oversee the usage of the Priest’s discretionary funds to assist those in need.  To also notify the vestry of any special needs related to the community and parish.  

4. Support fund raising organized by Vestry.  

5. To ensure that St Michael’s operates within the Canon Law of the Episcopal Church of the USA.  

Diocesan and Wider  

1. To work in cooperation with fellow diocesan clergy and the bishop to enhance the unity of the diocese.  

2. To build good ecumenical relations with other churches in the area. 

 Personal  

1. To be comfortable communicating with all ages and sorts of people in a sensitive, friendly and approachable manner.  

2. To be able to think strategically but with practical skills to enable God’s mission to become reality within the wider community.  

3. To be at ease with different expressions of worship, but also aware that St Michael’s has a dedicated and sincere love of its music program and that our Children’s and Family ministries are key to our identity.  

4. To care for and maintain his/her/their spiritual growth. 

5. Maintain clear expectations around availability, recognizing that part-time ministry requires balance and mutual understanding between priest and parish.