EDNC announces innovative clergy development pilot program

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California (EDNC) is pleased to announce a groundbreaking three-year pilot program aimed at strengthening congregations and supporting new clergy. This initiative, underwritten through a unique partnership between the EDNC Board of Trustees, sponsoring congregations, and partner congregations, will provide meaningful work, continuing formation, and excellent mentoring for newly- or recently ordained clergy.

Primary Goals

The primary goals of this program are as follows:

1. Strengthen larger churches in need of additional clergy.

2. Furnish stable clergy leadership for congregations with limited resources and no current

long-term priest.

3. Develop meaningful partnerships among nearby congregations.

4. Attract and retain qualified new clergy to EDNC.

Program Structure

The program will run for three years, with the curate (newly ordained) or assistant (ordained in the last 5 years) dividing their time as follows:

– ¾ time Curate/Assistant at the sponsoring congregation, under the supervision of the rector

– ¼ time as Priest-in-Charge at the partner congregation

Mentoring will be shaped by regular sharing and weekly, bi-weekly and quarterly feedback sessions for both new clergy and mentors/supervisors to help ensure the success of the program.

This pilot program represents a significant step forward in supporting the growth and development of clergy within the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California. By fostering partnerships between congregations and providing comprehensive support for new clergy, the EDNC aims to create a sustainable and thriving future for its churches and communities.

Church applications will be due September 30, 2025. Clergy applications will open on October 8, 2025. Program to begin in 2026. For more information and to view updates, please visit this page: https://www.norcalepiscopal.org/site/open-positions/#CuracyProgram