St Canice s Cathedral, Kilkenny

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1 St Canice s Cathedral, Kilkenny Cathedral Sexton/Verger Job Description POSITION For over 800 years, St Canice s cathedral has welcomed both pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. As one of Kilkenny s leading historical attractions, the cathedral is enjoyed by in excess of 35,000 visitors annually. The Dean and Select Vestry are now seeking to recruit a sexton/verger, following the present incumbent s appointment to another position. St Canice s Cathedral is an equal opportunities employer. Applicants should send a covering letter, CV and the names and contact details of three referees to: Ms Elizabeth Keyes Cathedral Administrator St Canice s Cathedral Coach Rd Kilkenny Tel: Fax: info@stcanicescathedral.com Closing date for receipt of applications: 28 th June 2011

2 THE CHURCH OF IRELAND The Church of Ireland is a self-governing part of the Anglican Communion, in communion with the See of Canterbury. It is led by the Archbishop of Armagh (Primate of All Ireland) and the Archbishop of Dublin (Primate of Ireland). It maintains a liturgical pattern of worship, observing the feasts and fasts of the Catholic liturgical year. For more information about the Church of Ireland, please visit the following website at ST CANICE S CATHEDRAL Prior to his death in 1202, it was the vision of Bishop Felix O Delaney that the monastic settlement that was St Canice s should incorporate a cathedral church. Since the 1120 s the see of Ossory had been moved from Aghaboe to Kilkenny but no new cathedral church was erected. The bishop was one of the few who realised the significance of the Norman settlement of the region. The 13 th century cathedral of St Canice s is the second longest cathedral in Ireland. The site of which the cathedral stands has been a site of Christian worship since the 6 th century. Apart from its role as a place of worship, the cathedral is at the heart of the cultural life of Kilkenny. The cathedral is used during the Kilkenny Arts Festival, each August and for concerts and cultural events throughout the year. We hope that those who visit the cathedral and spend time within the hallowed walls, will see the visual message of this age old church and within their hearts feel the message of Christ, who is the yesterday, today and forever. THE CATHEDRAL CONSTITUTION The cathedral is governed by the constitution as agreed by General Synod. The cathedral select vestry has the responsibility of the financial and administrative affairs of the cathedral and is served by a number of sub-committees having specific responsibility for certain area of cathedral life, e.g. Music, Property, Finance and Administration and who make recommendations to the Vestry for implementation. The Dean and Chapter are responsible for the liturgical elements of the cathedral s life. The cathedral has two full-time priests, the Dean, The Very Reverend Katharine Poulton and Vicar, The Reverend Elaine Murray. The Chapter members (honorary) and other clergy from the diocese also assist the regular services in the cathedral. A full-time administrator and five further staff (both full and part-time) are also employed. KILKENNY Located in the South East and famous as an international centre for contemporary art and culture, the county of Kilkenny is also located in an ideal central location of Ireland - providing a perfect stopover for travellers between Dublin and Cork, or Rosslare and the West.

3 The city itself is steeped in history. Dominated by superb ancient buildings culminating in the magnificent Kilkenny Castle and St Canice s cathedral, it brims with character. Winding slipways lead from bustling shopping streets to quiet corners, and clues to the fascinating story of Kilkenny lie in every architectural feature. The county spreads its green mantle from the city through river valleys and undulating hills. Exceptionally rich in heritage, it is completely undiscovered, yet filled with dramatic landscapes and historical treasures. Now home to a vibrant creative community, Kilkenny is an extraordinary meeting point for modern culture and ancient history.

4 DETAILS OF POST Job Title: Cathedral Sexton/Dean s Verger Reporting to: The Administrator Responsible to: The Dean and Select Vestry of St Canice s Cathedral Hours: A five-day week is required, including Saturdays and Sundays. There will be occasional late night work and time off in lieu may be taken. Bank and Public holidays are taken as normal working days with a day given off in lieu where it has been necessary to work on such a day. If such a day is a non working day, then this day in lieu is in addition to normal working days or days off. Flexibility is absolutely necessary with regard to working hours. Salary: Salary will begin at 19,000 with the possibility of an increment on the successful completion of a probationary period of 6 months and again after one year to 20,000. Accommodation is available at 1, The Colonnade, The Close, Kilkenny in the house, which is the traditional Sexton s residence. A legal caretakers agreement is signed upon residency. Holidays: 20 days (including 4 Sundays), in addition to the public and bank holiday arrangements outlined above. Sundays over and above the 4 can only be taken following consultation with the Dean and Administrator. Context: The successful candidate will assist the administrator in the smooth running of the Cathedral. The Cathedral Sexton/Dean s Verger will have a wide-ranging remit. This will include working closely with a number of other staff and volunteers in the cathedral. As one of the key holders of the Cathedral s/he will be on call 24 hours a day (when not on leave) in case of any emergency in the building or the environs. When on leave arrangements must be organized with another key holder for emergency calls. Principal Tasks: To ensure Opening, closing and securing of the cathedral building and round tower. To be aware of/ and report any issues which may breach security in the cathedral or the environs. The cathedral and other ancillary areas are regularly and correctly cleaned and polished to a standard acceptable for visitors and services.

5 The correct levels of heating and lighting are monitored and maintained. The care and operation of the sound system, cleaning equipment and to report to the administrator any faults in relation to the fabric of the building, in particular anything that may affect the health and safety and general security of St Canice s Cathedral. That access to the cathedral grounds is controlled and to take instruction from the Administrator and Dean in times of inclement weather in this regard. That any visitors who come into contact with the sexton are made welcome and to provide cover for the visitor services area, in particular the shop and the round tower when required. To provide occasional cover for guided tours. To be part of the team which ensures the maintenance of good order throughout the cathedral and grounds and to ensure that decorum is maintained within the cathedral at all times. Liturgical duties: To be the Verger on Sundays, Wednesdays and other Holy Days as required, in addition to special occasions and other services throughout the liturgical year which are celebrated or observed in St Canice s Cathedral. To dress in the gown provided and to use the Verge in procession when appropriate. To prepare the Cathedral for services, including the preparation of all books, Hymn Boards, Altar (including the Wine and Bread, Vessels, Linen etc). To become familiar with the rhythm of the liturgical year and calendar and mark books accordingly. Regularly check flower arrangements for water. In an emergency (i.e. the absence of anyone else to do it), to conduct Morning Prayer at 9.15am on any given weekday. To plan with the Dean, the Vicar and the Administrator as appropriate, special services or events which will take place in the Cathedral. To carry out any other duties which the Dean or Administrator may reasonably assign from time to time. Concerts, special services and events: To be available for concerts, events and services outside normal working hours. Time off in lieu. To help, when required with the setting up and removal of pews, chairs, piano, etc for such events and to replace them afterwards.

6 Health and Safety: To have knowledge of the positions of all fire fighting equipment within the buildings and of their safe and appropriate use in an emergency. To have knowledge of the evacuation procedures. To undergo training in First Aid and the use of a defibrillator and be prepared to use in an emergency situation. To undergo training in Safeguarding Trust - which is the Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice for working with Children and Young People. Essential: Person Specification A good team player with the ability to relate to all types of people. Having an understanding of worship and the importance of dignity in worship. Enthusiastic, energetic and practical. Able to work under pressure Competent in the use of computer/ photocopier/ / visa machine etc Able to reach all areas of the Cathedral building without mechanical assistance, carry heavy loads and do such physical work as required. Operating industrial cleaning machines. Be a good communicator - both written and oral Flexible and willing to work unsocial hours. Desirable: Previous experience in a similar position within a Church or Cathedral - paid or voluntary. Knowledge of health and safety issues.

7 Awareness of the terminology and language of the Anglican Church. Any other relevant information: All relevant details concerning other terms and conditions of employment can be found in the staff handbook which is made available at offer of employment. The successful applicant must be agreeable to undergo Garda Vetting (and, in the case of someone who has lived in the UK, CRB Disclosure) before the position can be made permanent.