Letter from the Master – January 2010

Monday, February 1st, 2010 | Letter from the Master

MASTER’S LETTER

Previously I have been asked to write a little to explain my role as the Archdeacon of Winchester. Recently my role as Master of St Cross has been reviewed by the Trustees, so I thought that it may be of interest to you to write a little on that too.

The Diocese remains committed to the spiritual and pastoral role of the Master of St Cross, and delights in the history and tradition of the Hospital. But it recognizes that the role has changed recently due to two things. First, combining the role with that of Archdeacon of Winchester limits the time available for the Hospital. Secondly a change to the Charitable Scheme, by the Trustees, confirms the Master as just one voice amongst fifteen regarding the Governance of the Hospital.

Several aspects of the perceived role of the Master involve that of Governance, which now no longer applies to that role any more than to other Trustees. Therefore, a revised Role Description needed to reflect that change.

The role of the Master reflects that of a parish priest in the pastoral and spiritual oversight of the Brothers, as well as sharing in aspects of Governance with other Trustees. In this he should:

1. Read prayers every morning or cause the same to be read
2. Hold the service of Gowning of new Brothers; and approve the Order of Service of Gowning
3. Offer recommendation to the Board of Trustees of a nominee for the post of Chaplain, and supervise his/her role.
4. Receive and act upon requests from the Brothers to absent themselves from Matins or to be excused from wearing their gown and hat.
5. Review a Brother’s position should the number of absences from the Hospital exceed twenty eight days in any one year.
6. Attend the Quarterly Trustee and Welfare meetings.
7. Attend the bi-monthly Brothers’ Forum
8. Interview prospective new Brothers with another Trustee, and recommend their admission (or non-admission) to the Trustees.
9. The Master can delegate tasks (especially the following), to the Chaplain as it is appropriate:
10. Visit the Brothers, and be available to help and support them where necessary, and bring to the attention of the Clerk to the Trustees any concern regarding a Brother’s well-being.
11. Provide, or cause to be provided, quarterly updates to the Board of Trustees on the welfare of the Brothers.

Despite reviewing the role, and recognizing the changes, the role of the Master is still both rich and enjoyable, and I find it something that I enjoy doing. It isn’t clearly defined in terms of hours or days, but is often interwoven into the other roles that I hold. I can have a parish or a diocesan meeting in my study at St Cross, as well as acting as Master with my concern for the Hospital. When I go into the diocese I very often wear the Master’s cross which reminds me and others that I have another role too.

Michael