Rev Helen Grover, former curate at Cockfield, excited for new priest in charge role

The new priest in charge of a recently merged Suffolk benefice says she is excited to begin her new role.

Rev Helen Grover, who was the curate in Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds, started the new role on September 19 to lead the newly combined parishes of North Hartismere, Redgrave cum Botesdale and the Rickinghalls.

The role in Cockfield was her first post after being ordained in 2021 and she is now the priest in charge of what is set to become one of Suffolk’s largest benefices.

She said: “On one hand it’s very sad to be leaving Cockfield — it was such a privilege to be part of such an incredible community, building amazing relationships with the people in the area.

“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.”

Rev Grover said she is hoping to bring more people together through her new role, especially to engage with younger people to encourage them to come to church.

She added: “Our aim is to oversee the combining of these two brilliant benefices and to grow it younger and in number.

“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.

“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.”