Training as a curate in the Diocese of Lichfield
Curate training (IME 2) is a continuation of the formation and learning that took place in ordination training (IME 1) and is part of an ongoing process that continues beyond completion of a curacy. There are formational criteria set by the Church of England to which to aspire in order that at the end of a curacy the Area Bishop might have confidence in recommending a curate for the next stage of their ministry. The formation criteria can be found here.
The training team’s role over the course of a curacy, alongside the training Incumbent and parish is to provide the opportunities for ministry, learning and reflection that will prepare a curate well for moving into Assistant or Incumbent ministry posts in the future. In order to do that we ask all curates to complete a number of assignments and to maintain a learning portfolio in order to enable us all to have confidence that the relevant formational criteria will be met.
For those being ordained from 2020 onwards, there is a new programme of curate training shaped around a journey of Discipleship, Vocation and Evangelism (DVE). Alongside the IME2 programme curates are welcome to consider completing further study for academic award during their curacy.
The handbook and documents are here:
- Curate and TI Handbook (2020 deacons)
- Curate and TI Handbook (2021 deacons)
- Curate and TI Handbook (2022 deacons)
- Curate and TI Handbook (2023 deacons)
- Rooting and Grounding Groups (2021 deacons only)
- Log of Supervision
- Working Agreement for a Training Post
- Attendance Log for IME 2 Events
- Learning Agreement (Assistant Minister Status)
- Learning Agreement (Incumbent Ministry Status)
In the event that a curate is not deemed to have satisfactorily completed the IME 2 programme within the prescribed time limit an appeal can be made, details of which are here.
Any other queries related to terms of service can be found in the Guidelines for Clergy.