Vacancy: Rector

Rector: Parish of Warnbro

St Brendan’s by the Sea Anglican Parish of Warnbro are seeking a new Rector who will join us in our vision of mission and lead us further towards our goal of being the local church for all people.

Warnbro - Area Demographics

St Brendan’s parish is at the suburban southern extremity of the Diocese of Perth and located, as its name implies within close proximity to the ocean. Water activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and sail boarding are but a few of the activities undertaken by residents and visitors to the area.

Warnbro is primarily a residential area with around 10,800 people. The age range of the area is evenly spread across all ages. We are located close to HMAS Stirling Naval Base which boasts a population of around 5,000 personnel and is projected to grow in the near future. Warnbro parish also draws worshippers from the surrounding areas of Baldivis and Port Kennedy.

There are Government schools and private schools, both primary and high, located within its boundaries. Peter Carnley Anglican Community School is easily accessible by train from Warnbro train station. Warnbro City Shopping Centre is the main shopping centre with numerous other small shopping centres available.

At present we have an elderly congregation with a small mix of younger working families. The pandemic certainly had an impact on attendances once we were welcomed back for Sunday services, however, our numbers have gradually returned to pre-covid numbers, and we again have a healthy congregation in terms of attendance.

Services

Currently we conduct two services on a Sunday morning, 8.30am and 10.00am, plus a 9.30am Eucharist on Thursday mornings. Our services are in moderately Anglo-Catholic tradition with robes worn and the altar dressed. Both Sunday services are complemented with music of a traditional style although not exclusively. The priest is supported by a Lay Assistant at both services. On Thursday mornings we hold a Said Eucharist. Taizé services are held monthly, usually on the first Saturday evening of the month.

There are a small number of baptisms and funerals throughout the year and weddings are rare.

Mission

Mission is a highly valued activity within the parish. We offer a Friday weekly lunch for the homeless and less fortunate within the community which is held in the Girl Guides Hall in Shoalwater. All people are welcomed without restriction of age, gender or race. As well as a meal there are facilities such as laundry, showers, and the opportunity to get some new clothes. Finances for this mission are fully funded and provided through the local City of Rockingham Grant program, Anglicare through the Lotteries Commission Grants program and generous cash donations from local individuals, parishioners and community groups.

Our parish connects regularly with our partner parish of Kamagut in the Diocese of Eldoret, with regular updates via email. Our congregation is kept informed through the weekly pewsheet, information during notices at the end of our services which sometimes includes pictures of their events. They are a permanent fixture on our parish prayer list.

Parish Information

As at 30 April 2023 the parish reported to the Diocese that it is financially viable and able to meet its Assessment responsibilities. We have no Stipend arrears, and all accounts are being met within budget.

We operate with a vibrant and active Parish Council of 8 members plus wardens which is strong in its support of the priest. Decisions are made in a collaborative manner.

We have recently undertaken upgrades and maintenance to our building and grounds. The addition of air conditioners in the parish offices, installation of large screens for our services and upgrades to the grounds, in particular the Memorial Garden area. Upgrades within the grounds was dealt with to lessen our footprint and make the parish more environmentally responsible.

Parish Activities

Adult education is a valued activity within the parish and study groups are usually held on Thursday mornings following the Eucharist. Study topics are seasonal as well as topical being led by lay people with support from retired clergy. There is an EfM group which is currently planning completion of its final year of study.

Parish groups include MU, a men’s breakfast is held once a month, a lady’s breakfast once per quarter and a craft group which meets weekly. There is also a gardening group which tends the Memorial Garden and the garden in general.

We have an active Lay Pastoral Ministry group ably led and attending to pastoral matters, thereby easing the workload for our priest.

All these groups make for a lively and active parish in the community.

Expressions of Interest:
Please complete and return the form linked below.