Open Positions

EDNC Curacy/Assistant Pilot Program
Sponsoring and Partner Church Information and Application

Thank you for your interest in this pilot program. Funded 50% by the EDNC Board of Trustees, the sponsoring congregation will pay 40-45% and the partner congregation 5-10% (for a total of 50%).

By submitting the application, both churches agree to the following information about the aims, structure, and financial requirements of this three-year program.

Aims of the program

• Strengthen larger churches in need of additional clergy
• Furnish stable clergy leadership for a congregation with limited resources and no current long-term priest
• Develop meaningful partnerships among nearby congregations
• Provide meaningful work, continuing formation, and excellent mentoring for newly- or recently ordained clergy.
• Attract and retain qualified new clergy to EDNC

Structure of the Program

Regardless of when during the year the curate (newly ordained)/assistant (ordained in the last 5 years) begins work, the program will run for three years (36 months).

The Curate/Assistant’s time will be divided thusly:

• ¾ time at the sponsoring congregation, under supervision of the rector
• ¼ time as Priest-in-Charge at the partner congregation

The supervising rector will be available to provide guidance and counsel, as needed, for the curate/assistant’s role as Priest-in-Charge.

All parties will participate in regular sharing and feedback, as outlined below:

Weekly: Supervising priest will meet with the curate/assistant for supervision

Biweekly: Senior Warden (and Junior Warden, if desired) at partner congregation

will meet at least twice monthly with the Curate/Assistant.

Quarterly:

• All participating supervising priests will meet together with the Canon to the Ordinary; likewise wardens at partner congregations. These meetings may be combined if that is the consensus of the group.
• Curate/Assistant participants will also meet quarterly with the Canon to the Ordinary, in addition to participating in Fresh Start.

Supervising clergy, wardens, and curate/assistants will be provided with ongoing resources for their respective roles.

Financial Commitment – Churches and Diocese

Churches:

The portion contributed by the sponsoring congregation and the partner congregation will be determined on a sliding scale, based on financial reports provided, and on conversation and agreement between the two churches. The sponsoring congregation will pay between 40-45%; the partner congregation will pay between 5-10%. The Diocese will pay 50%. The total cost to be shared will include salary; long-term disability and medical benefits at Employee only for the lowest cost medical and dental plans; pension at 18%. Additionally, the churches will share the costs of other basic clergy expenses (detailed below).

Note: We assume 3% COLA each year, as well as an annual increase in health insurance costs of 6%.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary will be $85,000. (Year 2: $87,550; Year 3: $90,177)

Pension at 18% will be $15,300. (Year 2: $15,759; Year 3: $16,232)

Medical/Dental, Life, LTD, Workers’ Compensation for 2025 is approximately $15,396/yr. (Pro-rate if starting in 2025. Expect a 6% increase in 2026)

Total program cost for first year will be approximately $115,700.

Cost share for first year will be approximately as follows:

Sponsor Church: $46,280 (40%) to $52,065 (45%)

Partner Church: $5,785 (5%) to $11,570 (10%)

Additional Costs

Churches shall also share proportionally (¾ and ¼) the following costs:

• Mileage reimbursement (for church-related meetings and pastoral care visits, not for commute) ($500 suggested)
• Clergy Conference registration (Estimate: $300)
• Attendance at Diocesan Convention (currently $120 – $175, depending on time of registration)
• $600 Continuing Education allowance (increasing by $100 each year)

Summary (estimate) of shared non-salary reimbursements and expenses: $1550

Share: Sponsoring Church (¾) $1162.50     Partner Church (¼) $290.50

Diocese:

Participating churches will receive matching funds (totaling 50% between the two churches) in the form of a diocesan grant and are expected to comply with all federal, state, and local requirements. Diocesan share for the first year will be approximately $57,850. Note: The curacy position will not be charged diocesan apportionment.

Questions? Please contact The Rev. Canon Julie Wakelee (julie@norcalepiscopal.org)