Manchester Diocese is blessed by retired clergy who remain active in or around the parishes they have retired to. They do far more than act as a spare pair of hands to lead a Sunday service or take a funeral; it wouldn’t be possible to sustain the richness of our life as a church without them.

The Bishop invites all retired clergy to share in the annual Holy Week Renewal of Vows service and to occasional social gatherings at Bishopscourt.  There is also a biennial Eucharist and lunch for retired clergy at the Cathedral.

Retired clergy are encouraged to join the national Retired Clergy Association of the Church of England, with lifetime membership paid for by the diocese on their behalf. Continuing Ministerial Development allocates educational grants to retired clergy for specific ministerial development courses, etc., and encourages attendance at teaching and other training events.

Our Retired Clergy Officers help keep retired clergy connected with diocesan life and ensure the diocese is aware of any changes in their circumstances, such as illness. The team also offers pastoral and practical support around retirement, reaching out to clergy as they approach or enter retirement to explain available networks and grants.

Get in touch

Contact one of our Retired Clergy Officers:

Grants

The Diocese of Manchester provides grants for retired clergy who experience financial hardship, through organisations such as the Clergy Support Trust. For more information, visit: https://www.clergysupport.org.uk/

These funds can be used to support healthcare, repairs to housing, holidays and many other things.

Useful links

Further information regarding clergy retirement can be found here.