Ordination to the Priesthood, in the Church of England, is understood as a life-long vocation. You remain ordained as a priest after retiring from office and have a vocation to ministry even if it takes a different form in retirement. Retirement does not mean that the demands of your vocation have ceased, although your ministry may take a different form with fresh challenges.
If you would like to discuss your forthcoming retirement, or have recently retired and would like to explore further your future ministry, please email the Revd Dr Simon Hill, Bishop’s Retirement Officer or telephone 01284 754110.
Clergy and spouses retreat day: 27 November 2023
This is a Day Conference at Pleshey Retreat House, Chelmsford for clergy thinking about retirement, to which their spouses / partners are warmly invited. Enjoy a day together in the quiet surroundings of Pleshey Retreat House that may help you – practically, psychologically and spiritually – prepare for this next transition in life. Book for this event by clicking on the link below. For further details please contact Lesley Steed. The next retreat day will be on 14 November 2024.
Retreat booking page | Weblink
Regional Pre-retirement Conference: 14 - 16 May 2024
Our annual regional workshop and retreat for stipendiary clergy within three years of retirement who are considering retirement will take place at High Leigh Conference Centre, Hertsfordshire. To register or for further details please contact Lesley Steed.
Bishops' Widow(ers) Officers
After ten years as Bishop’s Widow(er)s Officers, Lionel and Rebecca Simpkins have stepped down. Bishop Martin has appointed Alan and Catherine Forsdike in their place. Click to email: the Revd Canon Alan Forsdike or the Revd Catherine Forsdike. Do please contact them if you have any questions concerning our ministry to widow(er)s of retired clergy or would appreciate assistance. Remember: the Suffolk Clergy Charity is there to help retired clergy and widow(er)s of retired clergy living in the Diocese or whose place of ministry on retirement was within the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
Suffolk Clergy Charity
The Suffolk Clergy Charity supports the well-being of retired clergy and their family in a variety of ways.
Retired clergy are all those who either receive a clergy pension or who are entitled to hold a ‘Permission to Officiate’ certificate within the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese, and who either live within the diocese or who were at one time licenced to the diocese. Widow(er)s of retired clergy are also eligible for support from the Suffolk Clergy Charity. Charity no. 1002233.
For further information, please send an email to suffolkclergycharity@cofesuffolk.org. Or alternatively, please download our leaflet including an application form:
Leaflet | PDF
You may complete the application form in the booklet and email the form to make a grant application to: suffolkclergycharity@cofesuffolk.org. Or complete the online form below.
The Suffolk Clergy Charity is also able to assist you should you wish to make a grant application to other appropriate charities, such as the Clergy Support Trust and the Frances Ashton Charity:
www.francesashton.co.uk | Weblink
www.clergysupport.org.uk | Weblink
We are here to help you, whatever your circumstances.
