The new priest in charge of what is set to become one of Suffolk’s largest benefices says she wants to see the congregation “grow younger and in number”.
The Revd Helen Grover was the curate at Cockfield in Suffolk, her first post after being ordained in 2021. She started her new role on Thursday 19 September as Priest in Charge of a newly merged Suffolk benefice, a combination of the parishes of North Hartismere and Redgrave cum Botesdale with the Rickinghalls.
The Revd Grover said she was very excited to start her new role. “On one hand it’s very sad to leave Cockfield – it was such a privilege to be part of such an incredible community, building amazing relationships with the people in the area,” she said. “But on the other hand, I am so excited to have the opportunity to be part of another wonderful community this side of Suffolk, meeting new people and building on the achievements of the benefice.
“Our churches are so welcoming and inviting to all and I am looking forward to seeing lots of people come through our doors. This area of Suffolk really is a lovely place – my first impression when visiting was how welcoming the people are, you can see they are people that care deeply about their churches.
Our aim is to oversee the combining of these two brilliant benefices and to grow it younger and in number, encouraging more people – especially younger people – to come to church.”
Helen said it is a privilege to be part of the new benefice. “The role of the church community is to love and support people and their families through the ups and downs of life, to be alongside them on their journey,” she said. “Churches should be at the centre of their communities, bringing people together and growing together, and that’s what we will look to build on in this new combined benefice. Working in a church community always feels like such a privilege, although it never feels like work at all. There are so many wonderful people out there to meet.”