On Sunday 23<sup>rd</sup> January 2022, it was announced that our priest, Reverend Hannah, has been appointed as Vicar of St. Helen’s, Sandal Magna, just outside Wakefield. Sandal was the location of one of the most important battles in the Wars of the Roses. Richard Duke of York, the leader of the Yorkist forces was killed in the battle. At that point, all seemed lost for the Yorkists, but they regrouped around his eldest son Edward and went on to be successful in the end.
There seems to be a message here for our benefice, as we anticipate changing circumstances. It seems quite possible that our benefice will once again become two parishes. But just as the Yorkists regrouped in 1461, we are praying for a positive way forward for our benefice, with a positive resolution to what may seem like challenging times ahead.
St. Philip’s is well into the planning stages to become a resource church, while St. Wilfrid’s, as one of the most important twentieth century church buildings in the UK, hopes for a new priest and a mended roof. Please keep both our parishes in your prayers.
Meanwhile, Reverend Hannah will be moving just after Easter, from one church, St. Wilfrid’s, which is important because of its place in the Arts and Crafts movement of the 20<sup>th</sup> century to a church which is important because of the part it played at a pivotal moment in the Wars of the Roses in the mid-15<sup>th</sup> Century.
We pray that Reverend Hannah will settle well into her new role and build on the challenges of the past in Sandal, just as she has done here – after all, here in East Leeds, she has the distinction of being the first woman incumbent at St. Wilfrid’s, though not at St. Philip’s. She has had some unexpected challenges to deal with, which she has negotiated with good humour and tenacity, and I’m sure that all she has learned here will stand her in good stead for the future.
Meanwhile, our benefice is very lucky that Reverend Hannah will be able to journey through Lent and Easter with us. Easter is a time of looking forward with the hope of the resurrection in our hearts – hope for the two parishes in our benefice, hope the parish of Sandal Magna and indeed hope for Reverend Hannah herself. Please keep praying for this benefice, for Reverend Hannah and her new parish as we all face new challenges over the coming days and weeks.