The Revd Canon Dr Richard Frith has been announced as the next Vicar of Doncaster Minster, following a thorough appointment process.

The Bishop of Sheffield has announced: Richard, who is currently Precentor of Southwell Cathedral in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, will also serve as Oversight Minister of Doncaster City Centre. We look forward to welcoming Richard, his wife Emma and their son Stephen, as they seek to make the move into the benefice in the near future, and we aim to license Richard sometime around the end of June/ beginning of July.

Richard was born in Sheffield and brought up in Rotherham. After studying for a PhD in English, he worked in publishing for a few years before training for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon in Oxford. Following a curacy in central Oxford and five years as a parish priest in Halifax, Richard moved to his current post as Canon Precentor at Southwell Minster, where he leads the worshipping life of Nottinghamshire’s cathedral. He is now looking forward to moving back to God’s Own County and getting to know Doncaster and its people. Richard is married to Emma, an artist and ecclesiastical embroiderer, and they have a young adult son, Stephen, a musician. In his spare time Richard runs (slowly) and reads (slightly faster).

The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield, said:

‘I am delighted we have been able to make such a strong appointment to lead the Minster community and St James in the next season of their mission & ministry under God. Richard brings rich gifts and experience in the service of the Lord Jesus.’

The Rt Revd Leah Vasey-Saunders, Bishop of Doncaster, said:

‘Richard’s appointment is good news for St James’ Church and Doncaster Minster as well as the wider communities of Doncaster. He brings not only wisdom and experience but also a strong sense of God’s call to this place and its people. I am really looking forward to working with him.’

Message from Revd Canon Richard Frith for the congregations:

‘It’s a huge privilege for me to be looking forward to joining you as at the Minster and St James’. My wife Emma and I had a really memorable day when we came to Doncaster last month for the interview process. Everyone we met made us feel so welcome, and by the time we left, we knew that it would be the right place for us to be. What an opportunity and what a responsibility! I’m grateful to everyone who was part of the interview process for putting their confidence in me – I’ll do my best to deserve it.

‘Having grown up in South Yorkshire, I’ve always felt that one day I would love to come back to the Diocese of Sheffield to serve, and it’s very exciting that it’s now happening. Emma, our son Stephen, and I can’t wait to move back to God’s Own County and to our new home city, and I can’t wait to get started and meet you all. In the mean time, you are all very much in our prayers during these last few months of the vacancy – I know it’s been a long time. And please do pray for us as we prepare for our move.’

The Revd Canon Dr Neil Evans, Interim Dean of Southwell, said:

‘We are delighted that Richard has been appointed to role of Vicar of Doncaster, which feels absolutely right for Richard’s gifts and talents. We wish him well in this exciting role and ministry, praying for him and for the people of Doncaster. We are sad to see Richard leave Southwell Cathedral as Precentor. He has been a wise priest and colleague at the Minster, bringing a talent for liturgy and worship and a freshness to all aspects of the Cathedral’s life. He is at the praying heart of Cathedral life and a friend and pastor to our Cathedral Community. Richard leaves with our love and good wishes as he prepares for the next chapter in his ministry.’