Until now the Parish of Olney (the geographical area which St. Peter & St. Paul serves) has been a Benefice on its own (a benefice is something to which a Vicar or Rector is appointed) within the Deanery of Newport. However the Deanery is being reorganised and the Parish of Olney will at some point in the next couple of years become part of a new Benefice of Ouse Valley North.
This means that for the time being St Peter & St Paul will be led by a “Priest-in-Charge” rather than a “Rector” (in Church of England terminology the Benefice of Olney is “suspended” pending the reorganisation). We will continue to look for a new minister to lead us at St Peter & St Paul, but they will be appointed as a “Priest-in-Charge”. Plans are underway to advertise for a new minister, and we are hoping to appoint somebody early in 2025.
Once the new Benefice has been set up, a minister will be given the role of Rector of Ouse Valley North, working with other clergy appointed to this new Benefice. Meanwhile, the church continues to be supported by our Ministry Team – you can meet the team members here.