The Annunciation is the parish church for West Chislehurst in the London Borough of Bromley, under the pastoral and sacramental care of the Bishop of Richborough and affiliated to the Society of Saint Wilfrid and Saint Hilda.
The parish is mainly residential and quite small, being just 1 sq mile in size and a population of around 6,000. It is popular with commuters with its easy access to Central London, and families. The local High Street has a good selection of shops and restaurants.
The church was built in 1870 and overall is in good condition. It is Grade II Listed and set within an extensive churchyard which is now full for burials and in the process of being transferred to the Borough Council for maintenance. There remains a plot for the interment of ashes.
Worship is in the Anglo-catholic tradition with a Sung Mass at each Sunday, celebrated with traditional music and ceremonial, with children's resources available. Mass is also celebrated regularly throughout the week, the time varying according to the day. Following in Christ's footsteps, we seek to love God and serve the people who live and work in our area and beyond, through our worship, our work, and by reaching out to those in need.
The Vicarage is a modern, 5-bedroom & 3-reception room property around half a mile from the church. The church copying & printing equipment is kept in the study.
The ideal candidate will be:
* A Society priest who is Godly, wise, prayerful and holy, with a passion for sharing the joys of the Gospel with all in his care through mission and evangelism, and who will celebrate the sacraments with dignity and devotion to Almighty God.
* A gifted and collaborative pastor, communicator and teacher, able to provide prayerful, visionary and missional leadership in the parish.
* Able to lead us in developing further our evangelistic outreach and pastoral care, and be willing to visit parishioners, especially those who are poorly or in need.
* Prepared to tackle the challenges of fund raising (for the tower restoration) and to undertake the various tasks associated with administering the two Trusts and related property management.
* fully engage with, share and strengthen the wider life and ministry of our Deanery and Diocese.
In return you will find:
* a beautiful church in a prominent location in the parish.
* a rich catholic liturgical life and musical tradition.
* a modern five-bedroom vicarage.
* good local schools and amenities.
* a hospitable community.
* a supportive Deanery within the Diocese of Rochester and wider Richborough family of parishes.
For full details about the parish and this post, please see the accompanying Parish Profile.
Interviews will be held in September (date tbc)