The Deanery
A Deanery is a collection of adjacent parishes in geographical area whose clergy and laity together have the responsibility for the mission of the church in that area. Hertford and Ware Deanery stretches from Hunsdon and Widford in the east to Essendon in the west, from Ponsbourne in the South to Aston and High Cross in the North and, as the name suggests, includes the towns of Hertford and Ware.
The Deanery Synod
The Deanery Synod is the church governance equivalent of a district council. It comprises elected lay members from the parishes and serving clergy from the Chapter (see below). Synod meetings act as a formal bridge between the Diocesan Synod and Parochial Church Councils but are often open to non-members.
The Deanery Chapter
Chapter is the unlikely collective noun for clergy. The clergy in the deanery meet for prayer, study and fellowship. One of the clergy has additional responsibilities as “Rural Dean” to ensure that the Parish clergy are supported in their ministries and to facilitate meetings of the Synod and its committees.
Communication with the Deanery Synod should be addressed through the Deanery Secretary.