Born in Solihull maternity hospital in late 1961 (I am actually only 45!!!) I was baptised at our parish church St James's in Shirley. At the age of 6, my parents, Brummies born and bred, my younger sister and myself moved to Leamington Spa. I belonged to the Cub Scouts and on leaving was asked by the local priest to join the choir - I had no great talent, he just asked everyone to be in the choir or serve, or ring bells. I was confirmed at St. Mary's Cubbington and it was there that I was encouraged by the priest and congregation to begin the process of discernment to the priesthood. As part of that, I decided to study Theology at St. David's Lampeter, where I came to a deeper understanding of what it was to be a Catholic in the C of E, made my first confession and was accepted for training to the priesthood.

Although I was very sure that this was what God wanted me to be doing, because the opportunity arose I spent a year working at Coventry Cathedral. My job was to do whatever was needed, which could vary from leading evensong, verging and teaching major world faiths to school groups, to making up beds, preparing meals and cleaning. It was from there I moved to Mirfield in West Yorkshire and the College of the Resurrection. I have been greatly blessed in all the places I've lived, but Mirfield I really loved. The sense of prayer and preparation for priesthood; the understanding of Christian Socialism as a force to be reckoned with; the care and 'sending out' of the Fathers there was tremendous.

Despite offering myself for an inner city parish in the north, I ended up being Deaconed and Priested to a leafy suburb of Bristol , which was hard work, especially with a year's interregnum, but a time of great fund and blessing. From there I moved to Willesden Green in London as part of a Church Urban funded post working in the parish and local schools.

By now I knew parish ministry was for me, but to be sure and because I was putting off being an actual vicar!) I responded to an invite to be a Chaplain at the hospitals in Hammersmith. This was a more specialised ministry and one where I was greatly blessed and encouraged by the faith and strength of so many people. When my contract was up there, the patrons of my present post, Ardleigh and The Bromleys approached me to be the Rector and I accepted. Rural parishes with three beautiful 13th Century Churches to the east of Colchester , the last nine years here have been very good as I have worked with the faithful to build up the work of praising God and serving Him in others. I love it here, and it's been a hard decision to leave, but I believe it's the right one.

Now I am answering another call, and I do feel called to take up the incredible privilege of being your Vicar. I'm very excited about the move, having already been made to feel most welcome and wanted. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your stories - now you've heard mine! Please pray for each other as you embark on this new chapter in the Priory parish's history. Pray too please for the people here entering an interregnum, and for me, your new Priest.

God bless,

Fr. Spicer