September 2007

VICAR: The Revd. Martin Fredriksen Tel: 694109

PARISH OFFICE (Mondays to Fridays 9.30am – Noon) Tel: 697641

FROM THE VICAR: Continuing from last month regarding the titles and functions of clergy:

Archdeacons (there are three in the Diocese of Salisbury) are priests who are responsible to the Bishop in matters that have legal implications - eg. The reordering and repair of church buildings.

The Cathedral Church (to use its proper designation - since it is the church in which the bishop's seat (or 'cathedra' in Latin) is situated) is presided over by a Dean, who has clergy to assist - known as the 'Chapter'.

All Canons (or in a few ancient foundations, these are known as 'Prebendaries') are attached to a particular cathedral, either full-time as paid members of the Chapter, or in an honorary capacity and have another position (usually as vicar of a parish), but take their 'turn' in preaching and other duties at the cathedral. All of these are members of the 'Greater Chapter'.

The whole diocese is divided up into local units called 'Deaneries' - confusing really, because these are also the names given to the houses where cathedral deans live! The Rural Dean (a priest elected by colleagues and appointed by the bishop, for a limited period) is responsible for the day to day pastoral care of the Deanery clergy, and who chairs Deanery Chapter meetings and Deanery Synods - as well as for ensuring that parishes are staffed during vacancies between vicars and at times of sickness.

Chaplains (who may be bishops, priests, deacons or layfolk) care pastorally for those in communities or institutions - religious communities, the armed forces, prisons, hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, etc.

I hope that these couple of articles have been of help to those who have asked questions about these matters, or is it still as clear as mud?

Martin Fredriksen

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