What is a Benefice?

In this age, when there is a shortage of resources both human and financial in the Church, a means of grouping parishes together under the leadership of one incumbent (priest) has been devised.

This group is called a Benefice and draws on a term which has been used in churches for centuries, but usually with a different connotation.

In our case two churches were gathered together and we are now known as the Benefice of Sarratt and Chipperfield. Other benefices encompass many churches, especially in rural communities where congregations are small.

Our Benefice was formed by an Order in Council in 2004  from the parishes of Holy Cross, Sarratt and St Paul's Chipperfield.