The Bishop of St Asaph is to licence a new priest in the Alyn Mission Area to look after the communities of Minera and Southsea.

The Revd Helen Barnes will be licensed at a special service in All Saints Church in Southsea, near Wrexham, on Monday 17 March at 7pm. Helen will be working part-time, taking pastoral responsibility for St Mary’s Church in Minera, along with All Saints in Southsea.

Helen was ordained at Christchurch, Oxford, in 2010 and has served in the Diocese of Oxford ever since, in both Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Prior to ordination, Helen was an Operations Manager for an educational charity.

“I’m excited to be moving to this post in Alyn Mission Area and serving the communities of Minera and Southsea”, said Helen. “I’m looking forward to worshipping God together and of seeking ways of showing God’s love to all in the community.”

Helen has been married to Stephen for 35 years and they have two children, Martha and Jonny. Helen loves music and theatre. She is passionate about history, especially Church History, and looks forward to the new interests and cultures she will experience with her move to northeast Wales.

In preparing to welcome Helen to the Diocese of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, said: “It is a delight to welcome Helen from the Diocese of Oxford. Helen has a passion for social justice and the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, and we look forward to seeing her flourish in ministry in Alyn Mission Area.”

All are welcome to the licensing service for Helen on Monday 17 March at 7pm at All Saints Church in Southsea.