The Reverend Jeffrey D. Thornberg, Curate
What is a curate? A curate is a priest or transitional deacon that usually is at the beginning of his/her vocation. In traditional reality there are rectors and there are curates and that is it. Only in America have we adopted the academic titling of assistant, associate and so on. So in many ways a curate is simply a priest or deacon that is not a rector. We at St. John’s have the great opportunity and tradition of being a great place for newly ordained persons to be mentored, not only by more experienced priests, but by an incredibly generous and loving community. This is our gift to Jeff.
Jeff’s role here at St. John’s is one of a generalist. Our responsibility to him is to provide an environment where he can learn the craft of being a priest. He will preach and lead worship, make pastoral visits, teach, etc…all the things that many associate with being a priest. He will also attend the meetings of the church that will enable him to move on to be a rector with the skills and insights that quite frankly they do not teach in seminary, such as budgeting and running the business of the church. Jeff will have specific areas of emphasis and the primary one will be with the teenagers and our program, The Journey to Adulthood. Jeff is not the “Youth Minister,” but rather he is the staff support for the volunteers that will be leading the youth. Jeff’s agreement is for a minimum of 3 years. My words to Jeff were, “If you do not stay at least 3 years I’ll be upset and if you stay more than 5, we have probably done you and the wider church a disservice.” I cannot wait for Jeff to arrive.
(Posted May 27, 2008 by lela)
