Supporting Your Parish or Benefice Through a Vacancy
A vacancy is an important time in your parish / benefice. It's an opportunity to think and pray about what comes next, and to consider who God might be calling to join you in ministry. Here in Hereford Diocese, we want to support you through this process as you explore who might be right for your community.
Appointing a priest is one of the most important decisions your parish or benefice will make. This work is shared between parishes, patrons, archdeacons, and bishops. There is help available from diocesan support services and, above all, guidance from God through prayer. Early in your vacancy, your archdeacon and/or bishop will meet with your benefice. At this meeting, you'll receive a document explaining the process, available support, and the important dates for your vacancy.
As part of the process, you'll create a Benefice Profile. This document helps potential candidates understand what ministry in the parish / benefice and diocese might look like, and whether they feel called to serve with you.
Your Benefice Profile
What to include in the Diocesan and Deanery Statements
We'll provide these documents to make things easier for you. You can download the diocesan statement from this page.
What to write in the Parish/Benefice Statement
This is a clear and simple description of what makes your clergy role and benefice distinctive. Your Deanery and Parish Development Adviser can help you work through this section.
How to set out the Parish/Benefice Context
This section gives details about your local area and points to useful websites like A Church Near You or your parish and community websites where candidates can find more information.
Who Can Help?
Your archdeacon will contact you with specific advice about your vacancy. You'll also get support from your Rural Dean, as well as the Deanery. The central diocesan support from the communications team as well as the pastoral secretary includes additional support with templates, imagery representing the diocese and maps.
Resources to help you through the parish vacancy process