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Dear Friends,
I'm writing to you today with exciting news! The Board of Trustees of the Diocese have unanimously voted to support a pilot 3-year program for curates (newly ordained clergy) and/or assistants (up to 5 years ordained).
Why did I get this message?
You are on my list because you are either a rector at a church that could use a second clergy person if funding were available, a warden at a church with no long-term priest, or a Dean who can help us spread the word!
What churches can apply?
Six churches will be selected to participate in this project, which will begin in 2026: three will be larger churches (Sponsoring Congregations) with a rector who will serve as a mentor, and three will be smaller churches (Partner Congregations) who need a settled priest of record. You must fit in one of those two groups, and churches may only apply in teams. In other words, if you are a potential Partner Congregation, you will complete the application together with the potential Sponsor Congregation. You MUST work out your partnership before applying. (We recommend that the two churches not be more than an hour apart.)
How will it work?
The curate/assistant will serve 3/4 time at the Sponsor Congregation (3 Sundays + 3 days per week), and 1/4 time at the Partner Congregation (1 Sunday - or 2 if there are 5 Sundays, + 1 day per week).
What will it cost?
The Diocese will pay 50% of the program, including salary, pension, and medical/dental benefits (for all three years). The Sponsor Congregation will pay between 40-45%; while the Partner Congregation will pay between 5-10%:
Sponsor: $46,280 (40%) to $52,065 (45%)
Partner: $5,785 (5%) to $11,570 (10%)
I'd be delighted to answer your questions.
In Christ,
Cn. Julie Wakelee
916-809-714
Church Applications are due September 30.
After church teams are selected,
Clergy applications will open mid-October.
The program will begin in 2026 - exact dates may vary by church teams.
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