Ministry in retirement

The AROs work closely with the Deanery Retirement Officers (DROs) for each deanery, who are appointed locally in conjunction with the rural dean. Typically, the DROs monitor the well-being of retired colleagues in their deanery, arranging social events and sometimes discussions on matters of common interest, keeping in touch in times of serious illness or family concerns.

DROs communicate with their ARO when retired clergy move into or away from their deanery, at times of bereavement, or when there are concerns relating to housing, clergy pensions, or ministry issues. Some deaneries have someone else who organises events for retired clergy.

The AROs also work with the Widows’ Officers in each archdeaconry, who are able to give practical and pastoral support to partners when clergy die. The AROs attend clergy funerals on behalf of the Bishop of Salisbury and, together with the Widows’ Officers and DROs, maintain contact with the bishops’ and area offices in order to support the administrative processes required when circumstances change.
 

The role of the Clergy Retirement Officer is to:

• Advise the Bishop and Learning for Discipleship & Ministry Council on the support and care of clergy approaching retirement or already retired in Wiltshire.

• Oversee a network of Deanery Retirement Officers.

• Advise and support clergy preparing for retirement or already retired.

• Represent retired clergy at Diocesan Synod.

• Facilitate Diocesan events as appropriate.