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The Diocese of Norwich has been abuzz with excitement as new clergy members have been welcomed to parishes across Norfolk. The bishops of Norwich, Thetford, and Lynn have been busy conducting special church services to license priests to take charge of various parishes and benefices. These services, held in various locations from Blofield to Blakeney and Hemsby to Heartsease, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the clergy and their respective congregations. Bishop Graham, in his address, expressed his joy at seeing clergy matched with parishes and introduced to their new communities. He prayed that every vacancy would be filled, enabling the message of love and life brought by Jesus to reach not just the church members but the wider community as well.
One of the newly appointed priests is the Revd Andrew Tapsell, who will be serving as the Priest in Charge of the Blofield and Broadside benefices. Andrew’s journey to this role is a fascinating one. He initially came to Norwich to study illustration and fine art at the Norwich School of Art and Design, where he met his future wife. After working in retail and as a freelance illustrator, Andrew felt a calling to ordained ministry, which he pursued in his home diocese of Canterbury. His experience working with children, young people, and families, particularly through his involvement in Scouting, has instilled in him a passion for serving the community. Andrew is excited to work closely with the ministry team and deepen relationships with others across the diocese, exploring the many missional opportunities that Norfolk has to offer.
Another newly appointed priest is the Revd Heike Prentice, who will be serving as the Vicar of St Stephen’s in Norwich. Heike’s journey to priesthood began at a young age, but as a woman, she faced obstacles that prevented her from pursuing her calling initially. Born in Germany, Heike moved to England almost 40 years ago and worked in administration before taking time out to raise her family. She later trained as a direction and leadership coach and worked in leadership development for a Christian organization. Eventually, she was able to respond to her childhood calling and train for ordination. Heike is thrilled to join St Stephen’s, where she feels immediately at home, and is eager to unite people in love, service, and worship.
The Revd Jassica Castillo-Burley is another new addition to the Diocese of Norwich, serving as the Team Vicar for Great Yarmouth. Jassica’s background is in pharmaceutical chemistry, but she felt a calling to ministry, which led her to leave her job, sell her house, and train with the Church of England. She arrives in Yarmouth from being an associate vicar in Oswestry, on the English/Welsh border. Jassica is excited to discover how God will use her to further His kingdom on earth and is looking forward to getting to know the community in Great Yarmouth. In a busy four days at the end of July, Bishop Graham licensed several new clergy members, including Jonathan Dowman, David Bailey, and Ian Fifield, who will be serving in various parishes across the diocese.
As the Diocese of Norwich continues to welcome new clergy members, it is clear that each individual brings their unique experiences, skills, and passions to their role. Ian Fifield, for example, came to ordained ministry after a career in local government finance and auditing, while Sally McCubbin, the new Team Vicar in Aylsham, brings her own set of skills and experiences to her new role. The licensing of these clergy members marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Diocese of Norwich, as they work together to spread the message of love and life to communities across the region. In the coming months, more clergy members will be joining the diocese, including Peter Stirling Farquhar, Susan Mann, and Bruce-Julian Batstone, who will be serving in various parishes across Norfolk.
The arrival of these new clergy members is a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Diocese of Norwich. As Bishop Graham said, it is a joy to see clergy matched with parishes and introduced to their new communities. The licensing services, which took place in various locations across the diocese, were a celebration of the calling and commitment of these individuals to serve the people of Norfolk and Waveney. As the Diocese of Norwich looks to the future, it is clear that these new clergy members will play a vital role in spreading the message of love and life to communities across the region, and in serving the people of Norfolk and Waveney with dedication, compassion, and joy.
