Salisbury Cathedral appoints new Vicar of the Close

Revd Jules A Barnes will deal with wedding, funeral and baptism requests

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 4th Dec 2024

A new Vicar of the Close has been chosen at Salisbury Cathedral, to start work next year.

The Reverend Jules A Barnes will move here from Hamburg in Germany, where she's currently the Chaplain of the Anglican Church for the CofE's Diocese in Europe.

The role will see her work with the clergy team at the Cathedral, alongside the Dean, Canon Chancellor, Canon Precentor and Canon Treasurer.

She'll support the community of the Cathedral and the 200 residents in the Close with pastoral care, as well as handling enquiries for services such as baptisms, weddings and funerals.

It's a return home for Jules too, as she was ordained as a priest at Salisbury Cathedral in 2010 and was Curate at Wilton Parish Church.

She then became Bishop’s Chaplain at Bristol and Vicar of Warnham in the Diocese of Chichester.

Before being ordained, Jules has had a varied career, including working in the London Stock Exchange, family history research, and in project management in the NHS and hospitality sectors.

The Revd Jules Barnes will oversee pastoral care for the 200 residents of The Close

The Revd Jules A. Barnes said:

“Someone once asked me what I would like people to remember me for, and my response was: ‘Joy! And it is with immense joy, that I now look forward to joining you in The Close and at Salisbury Cathedral early in 2025. My passions are people, music and liturgy, and the pursuit of human flourishing for us all: each and every one of us, in our unique, God-given and beautiful diversity.

"I have been fortunate enough to experience much variety in my own life thus far, so I come to you with a background not only from ordained ministry – in English dioceses and presently in Hamburg, north Germany - but ranging across the London Stock Exchange, the NHS, hotel management and even time spent as an easyJet air hostess too.”

The Dean of Salisbury, The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, said:

“Jules brings a wealth of experience in pastoral care to the Cathedral. Having been ordained here, it seems only fitting that she should return after her time in Europe. We look forward to welcoming her next year and to working with her for the flourishing of all God’s people.”

The Revd Jules Barnes will be licensed by the Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Revd Stephen Lake, at a special Evensong service in February next year.

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