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Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Home News and events New Priest in Heart of Monmouthshire Ministry Area

New Priest in Heart of Monmouthshire Ministry Area

Monmouth news Posted: 16 August 2024

Bishop Cherry is pleased to announce that Helen Rees will be licensed to the Heart of Monmouthshire Ministry Area as a non stipendiary associate priest on 25th September.

Helen may be a familiar face to many, as she was previously a tutor in St Padarn’s Institute where she worked with those training for licensed and ordained ministry in the Church in Wales.

Speaking on the news, the Ministry Area Leader, Revd Sally Ingle-Gillis said: "We are delighted with this appointment. Helen has been quietly ministering amongst our communities for a while, where her pastoral skills and gifts for compassionate listening and encouraging gifts in others, have been a huge asset. It is wonderful that this can be recognised and formalised, and we look forward to including Helen in all that we are doing to grow God’s Kingdom."

Helen has served in the Church in Wales for many years. Originally ordained in Llandaff Diocese in 2009, Helen served in Penarth before then moving to Swansea and Brecon Diocese, where she became Diocesan Director of Education and ministered in Llandrindod, Gowerton and then Central Swansea.

Helen said: “I’ve been helping with some services in the ministry area for a while and know some of the people here well already. I’m looking forward to being more involved here and getting to know them better! I’m also delighted to be back officially working in Monmouth Diocese where I grew up”