team ministry

In a team ministry, a parish or group of parishes is under the direction and care of more than one parish priest.

What are the advantages of a team ministry?

It might be helpful to make a comparison with the medical world of general practice. Years ago a G.P. working alone was expected to know everything and be able to do everything: in today's world of advancing medical science G.P.s tend to join together as a team where each member will have skills and abilities in a particular area of medicine, above and beyond the usual knowledge required of a busy doctor. In a similar way, a team ministry allows priests to offer general pastoral care, but then they may bring a particular aspect of ministry that can be utilised across the team, supporting and encouraging one another along the way.

Just think of the word "TEAM": Together Each Achieves More.

How does all this work out in the Solihull Team Ministry?

The leader of the team is called the team rector, who together with three other paid, full - time ("stipendiary") priests called team vicars, and a full time priest in training known as an assistant curate, are known together as the team chapter. They are also assisted by other part time and retired priests. The leadership of the parish is made up of both priests and lay people, who work collaboratively in the running of the parish, where views are heard and shared, within which we share responsibility for the life of the whole parish.

The parish of Solihull is divided into three districts, each with its own church:
The larger district is covered by the ancient parish church of St Alphege.
St Helen's Church in St. Helen's Road meets in a modern multi-functional building.
St Michael's Church meets on a Sunday in the assembly hall of Sharmans Cross School in Sharmans Cross Road.