The Parish of Cirencester has three churches, all of which have a sacramental focus, with each providing a varied and comprehensive pattern of worship. At the Parish Church of St John Baptist, as well as less formal acts of worship, major festivals are frequently celebrated with full ceremonial in High Church tradition. Holy Trinity Watermoor combines both formal and informal worship according to the appropriateness of the occasion. The small dedicated congregation at St Lawrence Church worship informally.
The parish is served by one PCC with representatives from each church. Currently, the clergy team consists of a vicar, an associate vicar, a non-stipendiary curate, a non-stipendiary associate priest, and four Readers. This is a training parish and the incumbent is required to have the skills necessary for training new clergy. In addition, funds have been raised and negotiations are in progress to appoint a youth minister in the near future. Each church has two churchwardens.
Whilst each congregation has the loyal support of laity undertaking a wide range of tasks and ministry, groups representing the whole parish share the planning and organising of the many parish activities.
Financial affairs are centralised in one budgeting and accounting system. Following the financially successful TRIO (The Responsibility Is Ours) campaign, there is a desire to consider all aspects of stewardship in the parish. The PCC has initiated a review of all parish properties to assist in its present and forward planning of issues involving buildings as well as pastoral care and outreach.
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The Parish Church of St John Baptist, enlarged to become one of the largest parish churches in England, is the heart centre of the town. Each year, many thousands of people from all over the world come to visit. Its peal of 12 bells is the oldest in the country.
More than 500 people can be seated in the main body of the church. There are also four side chapels. The church is often filled to capacity for the major festivals and such occasions as Remembrance Sunday and civic services. The church is a popular venue for concerts and recitals.
During the week, morning and evening prayer are said and the Eucharist is celebrated on a daily basis. However, while major restoration works take place, these services are being held at Holy Trinity.
On Sundays, there is a said Eucharist, (BCP) at 8am. The sung Eucharist (Common Worship) at 10am attracts about 170 communicants. Choral Evensong (BCP) takes place at 6pm. |
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