Categories: uncategorized
Date: 12 March 2006 19:58:13
Ok. Someone needs to explain this to me. Why on earth would anyone want to be a member of clergy. It sounds like the crappiest job.
I've been talking to a friend of mine who is a curate, and it's the first time I've really 'found out' about ordained life. The little things like the distinctions between 'work' and 'play'. Like prayer. Is that work or play. It's essential to a clergy person to keep their own spiritual life 'topped up', so it's work, but on the other hand, it's presumably something they do because they 'enjoy' it and benefit from it personally too.
And Christian holidays (not with their own parish). Do they count as 'work', because they benefit the persons spiritual life, and presumably refresh the person and 'give them a break', but they need to be 'refreshed' because of their job. Etc etc etc.
Distinct lack of clear boundries.
Also, another friend I talk to sometimes is a Rector, having various churches to look after. He never seems to stop working. There is always something which needs doing (not helped by having a 'missing' curate in one of his churches!), and he has to do it, or it wont be done.
So, can a clergy member ever be 'off duty' because isn't everything they do potentially contributing to their spiritual life somehow? It seems to be a lifestyle rather than a job (even more so than a teacher!!).
Why?? Do people do it cos they think god calls them to, even though they don't want to, or what?? Nuts they are.