Salisbury Cathedral appoints new Vicar of the Close

Thursday, 28 November 2024 12:30

Salisbury Cathedral has appointed a new Vicar of the Close. The Revd Jules A. Barnes will be welcomed to the Cathedral early next year, moving from Hamburg, Germany, where she is currently Chaplain at the Anglican Church, part of the Church of England’s Diocese of Europe

Jules A. Barnes already has connections with Salisbury, having been ordained at Salisbury Cathedral in 2010. She was Curate at Wilton Parish Church, before becoming Bishop’s Chaplain at Bristol and Vicar of Warnham in the Diocese of Chichester.

Prior to her ordination, 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. She has also worked in Sweden and Berlin.

The Vicar of the Close works with the clergy team alongside the Dean, Canon Chancellor, Canon Precentor and Canon Treasurer. Their main focus is supporting the community of the Cathedral and the 200 residents in the Cathedral Close through pastoral care. Jules Barnes will also handle enquiries for services such as baptisms, weddings and funerals.

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.”

Speaking about the appointment, 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.