New Market Drayton vicar looking forward to challenge
The new vicar of a parish church said she is looking forward to seeing its debt advice service and food bank thrive.
Rev Catherine McBride said she wants to help ensure the two services run by St Mary’s Church in Market Drayton continue to help people in need.
Rev McBride, who has moved from Surrey, replaces Rev Martin Tanner who had been a vicar for more than 35 years and retired earlier this year.
Originally from Wales, she was called to serve the church whilst working for a pharmaceutical company and, following theological training in Cambridge, completed her vicar apprenticeship at Holy Trinity in Meole Brace, Shrewsbury.
A self-confessed rugby, pub quiz and real ale fan, she also has an interest in exploring how science and faith interact with each other.
She said: "I did my training in Shrewsbury and when I was here I loved this part of this country.
"I thought about it when thinking of moving on and looking for my own parish. When I saw there was a job going in Market Drayton it caught my eye.
"I am looking forward to getting to know the people at the church and the wider community.
"The church runs a food bank and debt advice service which are great and I want to see them continue to thrive and help people.
"I also want to make sure the church remains relevant for current and future generations.
"Becoming one of a long line of vicars of St Mary’s, going back over 800 years, is a huge privilege and I look forward to living in and serving this lovely, historic market town."
St Mary's Church was today due to host the Bishop of Lichfield, Right Revd Michael Ipgrave OBE, at the official ‘welcoming’ of Rev McBride.
