Bishops to ordain six new Priests to serve in the Diocese of York

Karen serves as Assistant Curate in the Parish of Marston Moor.

Karen has always been a Christian, though her relationship with God changed when her first daughter was born 11 years ago. Reflecting on her calling, she said, “I found myself up most nights cuddling a baby, exhausted, and sitting in God’s presence – listening rather than talking. After running for a few years, she is now excited and at peace that she is where God wants her to be.

She is married to Simon, and has two “beautiful, mischievous daughters,” Lottie and Sophie.  As a family they have had an amazing year serving in the Parish which has offered so many different opportunities within the five churches, four school and women’s open prison. 

Alongside her curacy, Karen has continued in her role as a Consultant Cardiovascular Radiologist in Leeds Teaching Hospitals for two days a week: serving on the NHS frontline as well as in a parish context.  In both of these ministries Karen hopes to encourage others to love and serve God and others, as the people they have been created to be.

Hannah serves as Assistant Curate in Fulford Benefice, York.

Prior to her training at St Hild college in Sheffield, Hannah studied at Trinity College, Bristol. She felt a calling to ordained ministry after university whilst working in a Starbucks and was “completely amazed in the way God was moving and using me in such an unconventional setting.”

Hannah is being ordained alongside her husband, Sam, who she met while studying in Bristol.

After being ordained deacon and working for a charity part time, Hannah felt God call her back into full time ministry and to trust in God’s provision. She is now a full time, self-supporting curate at St Oswald’s and has loved seeing God at work in the community there. 

“I still feel a call to more transient spaces – so I make good use of the local coffee shops – but have also loved serving in Fulford this year and getting involved in the wider community too. I’m excited about the next couple of years as priest!”

Sam serves as Assistant Curate at St Michael-le-Belfrey, York.

Sam grew up in Norfolk and felt called to ordination at the age of 18, worshipping in a small village church with his parents and sisters.

After completing his degree in Theology in Nottingham, Sam worked for a local church. He then moved to Bristol to train at Trinity College, where he met his wife, Hannah.

“I am looking forward to getting involved in Alpha and being involved in people’s discipleship journey. Seeing people grow in faith and put their lives in the hands of Jesus is such a joy and I can’t wait to see more of that!”

Peter serves as Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Northallerton with Kirby Sigston.

Peter has played in worship bands since he was a teenager and first felt a call to ordination when planning music for a church service: “I’ve always loved music, and I discovered how much I cared not only about the songs we sing in church, but how the whole service might help us encounter God.” 

Having worked in Marketing and Communications, including for Riding Lights Theatre Company in York, Peter’s prayer is that he “can continue to use these skills to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ and help us see the Kingdom of God within our church communities.”

“I am hugely grateful to St Hild’s College for their training and support, alongside the wonderful communities at St Barnabas and at Holy Redeemer, Acomb and Poppleton Churches, where I was on placement. It’s been an absolute privilege to be serving as a curate in Northallerton for the past year, I’ve really come to love this town.”

Donneta Thomas serves as Assistant Curate in the Whorlton Group Benefice, Stokesley Deanery.

She says that her journey to ordination began with a firm trust in God; at a career crossroads, Donneta felt God calling her to serve in every aspect of life, not just Sundays.

With her background in education, she has served the church as a lay Children and Families Minister.

Donneta studied for ordination part-time at St Hild College, gaining a BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

“My husband and two adult sons continue to be my strength, keeping me grounded and upholding my faith through the joys and challenges of life.”

Rosie serves as Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Scalby (held in plurality with Hackness w Harwood Dale).

Rosie worked as a nurse for many years before spending a short period volunteering with the Iona Community in 2008. During that time, she first sensed a call to ministry when she was invited to lead morning worship in Iona Abbey.

Over the next decade, Rosie became a member of the Iona Community and trained as a Methodist minister at York St John University. Since 2018, she has served as a part-time hospital chaplain at Scarborough Hospital, a role she finds deeply fulfilling.

Rosie and her husband Roger moved to Scalby in 2020 and became part of the congregation at St Laurence’s.

Rosie said: “It has been a surprise and a delight to discover that God is still calling me to local ministry, and I am excited at the new opportunities to live out my faith and share God’s story, and the ways in which the Church of England is affirming and supporting me in this.”