|
I
have included this in the members pages as a simple check list of
the obvious and as a useful reminder to any new to ministry.
+Ian
1.
arrive in good time for your service - if you arrive by car, make
sure that you know where to park and have permission to park there
2.
make sure you are well prepared for the service you are conducting
and have all you need or know where things are or who to ask - do not
leave things to the last minute - remember to sign in and sign out if
that is a requirement
3.
make sure that your vestments are clean, neat and tidy and you
present yourself in an appropriate manner at all times
4.
abide by the customs and traditions of the church you are visiting
as you are both a guest and a representative of the Order - if in
doubt, ask
5.
do not move any of the church or altar furniture without permission
6.
if permission is given to move or rearrange things, put everything
back in its proper place before leaving the building
7.
do not go through cupboards, drawers or documents
8.
tidy up afterwards and leave the church in the condition you found
it (or better!)
9.
take your rubbish/litter home
10.
make sure any candles lit as part of your service are extinguished
properly and without spillage of melted wax and that any electrical
equipment you have used is switched off and put away properly if requested
11.
do not make critical remarks but rather remember a few thoughtful
words of appreciation and thanks build bridges and will ensure a
future welcome
12.
check you have all and only your belongings before you leave the premises
13.
make sure you know where the fire exits are and what the procedure
is if there is a fire or emergency
14.
make sure you know where the first aid equipment is and who is the
appointed or duty first aider
15.
be courteous and moderate in both behaviour and language, setting a
good example as a Christian minister and as a professional
16.
if you are receiving a fee, that should be discussed before the
service and arrangements made about receiving it at an appropriate
time and in an appropriate and discrete manner - it should always be
dealt with privately and never publicly
17.
it is not appropriate to directly or indirectly ask for, or elicit
by any other means, additional donations or collection where a fee is agreed
18.
check and double check arrangements - do not make assumptions
19.
be calm and professional at all times
20.
lastly, small details count - if you are celebrating mass/communion
ensure your hands and especially fingernails are clean
The
following supplementary additions were contributed by Rev David Bennett
It is by our
dress, manner and conduct that others gain their first impressions,
and hopefully would enquire from each member details of our Order.
By exhibiting all
the above points we become prospective recruitment officers for our
Order. If each member displays warmth, sincerity and pride in being
members of our Order then it is likely many other Clergy will wish to
join us, and more importantly friends and associates will also wish
to come onboard.
Any Priest
exhibiting a slovenly manner displays disrespect for his vocation, to
the Order and that of Jesus Christ the Church Head himself. |
