Vicar of Penwortham St Mary

Church of England; Penwortham; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

St Mary’s Church, Penwortham invites a prayerful, compassionate priest to help our welcoming church grow in faith, community and mission. The role is set in a parish with deep links to local schools and a vision for the future.

The post requires rooting in faith, ability to lead worship in the Anglican tradition, and compassionate pastoral care, with a heart for mission and collaboration with Cop Lane CE Primary School and Howick CE Primary School. The Diocese encourages diverse applicants.

Qualifications

• Deep faith, prayerful and worshipping life rooted in the Anglican tradition.
• Ability to lead worship and teach faithfully with pastoral care.
• Willingness to listen, collaborate and discern God’s call with the parish.
• Commitment to mission and partnerships with local schools.
• Respect for heritage and capacity to foster shared ministry.

Responsibilities

• Lead worship and preaching in the Anglican tradition with warmth and humility.
• Pastoral care and pastoral outreach to the Penwortham community.
• Develop and strengthen links with Cop Lane CE Primary School and Howick CE Primary School.
• Engage in mission and community outreach across Penwortham and beyond.

Skills

Pastoral care

Leadership

Anglican worship

Community engagement

Team collaboration

Education

Ordained priest

Job description

Are you a prayerful and compassionate priest who loves Jesus, values people and wants to help a welcoming church grow in faith, community and mission?

Set on the southern bank of the River Ribble in a thriving Lancashire community, St Mary's Church, Penwortham is an ancient parish church with over 1,300 years of Christian witness. Today we are a warm and welcoming church family with an electoral roll of around 110, strong links with our community and schools, and an exciting vision for the future. We are blessed by dedicated volunteers, committed lay leaders, excellent relationships with our two Church of England primary schools and a desire to share the love of Christ throughout Penwortham.

Our Vision

To be a sustainable, prayerful community of all ages in a building fit for purpose which enriches the lives of the wider community.

We are praying for a priest who will:

• Be deeply rooted in faith, prayer and the worshipping life of the Church.
• Lead us in growing as disciples of Jesus Christ through prayerful worship rooted in the Anglican tradition, faithful teaching and compassionate pastoral care
• Listen well and work collaboratively with us as we discern together God's call for the next chapter of St Mary's.
• Strengthen and develop our valued partnerships with Cop Lane CE Primary School and Howick CE Primary School, helping children and families encounter God's love.
• Have a heart for mission and community engagement, building relationships across Penwortham and beyond.
• Value the heritage of our Grade II* listed church and help us realise our vision for a building fit for mission, ministry and community life for future generations.
• Encourage, equip and develop the gifts of others, fostering a culture of shared ministry and service.
• Lead with humility, wisdom, warmth and compassion.

Closing date

Monday 26th October 2026

Interviews will be held on

Tuesday 10th November 2026

For an informal conversation about the post, please contact the Area Dean Hannah Boyd [e-mail]

The Diocese of Blackburn believes that diversity enables us to thrive and develop and is committed to race equality, welcoming applications from UK Minority Ethnic/ Global Majority Heritage backgrounds

The Diocese of Blackburn are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all clergy to share this commitment and promote a culture of safeguarding vigilance and care.

The successful applicant will be required to

• Undertake an Enhanced DBS check
• Complete all required safeguarding training
• Adhere to the House of Bishops' safeguarding policies and practice guidance

For information about Blackburn diocese please follow this link https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/

For information on making an application through Pathways please follow this link https://jobs.churchofengland.org/HELP/candidate-faq/