SPCK has just published Being A Curate edited by Jonathan Ross-McNairn and Sonia Barron.
Paula Gooder describes it as a "gem of a collection" which is "a must-read for all future curates, and for anyone else who will accompany them on their journey".
SPCK describes the book as follows:
Focusing mainly on stories about being a curate in a variety of church traditions and contexts (both stipendiary and self-supporting), this engrossing book is inclusive in terms of age, ethnicity and gender. Over twenty contributors offer honest, grounded reflections on their experiences, through a mix of anecdotes, humour, practical advice and theology.
As well as considering training, ordination and first steps in a curacy, Being a Curate looks at what makes a successful curacy; the relationship between the curate and the training incumbent; the transition from curate to incumbent; dealing with thorny issues, and the value of sharing stories.
We are grateful for permission to make available on Fulcrum a chapter by Mike Parsons giving a training principal's reflection. It comes in Part 1 of the book which has the title "Ordination Training". It is the second chapter in the book and is preceded by Jonathon Ross-McNairn's chapter "An ordinand's story".
These posts are by guest authors for Fulcrum
Can I also add that there is a facebook group for curates that I set up two years ago, which is now nearly 200 people strong. I am no longer a member, ironically, setting a rule that once you move to a post of first responsibility you leave the group. It is available here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/251896991573342/.
It is described thus: This is a space for sharing the pathway through Curacy, the highs and the lows, the battles worth fighting and those worth resisting, the growth and the struggle encountered in preparation for the next leg of the journey. There are helpful materials in the files section to share best practice. Please unsubscribe from this forum on taking up your post of first responsibility so that it is reserved for curates only.
Why Curate Caras? An Anam Cara is a “Soul Friend.” Anam is the Gaelic word for soul. Cara is the word for friend. In the Celtic tradition, an Anam Cara is a spiritual guide with whom you can be the real you. In such a relationship you are able to be authentic, without mask or pretension.
Look inside here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Being-Curate-Stories-%C2%92s-really-ebook/dp/B00L0M4HO2 for recommendations, preface and contents list.