SHE has already experienced something of the sense of community in Paulsgrove – now she’ll be joining the church’s team there.

Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Connie Sherman to be a ‘House for Duty’ associate priest at St Michael and All Angels, Paulsgrove, subject to DBS. She’ll combine that role with continuing to be lead chaplain at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

She’ll be joining the ministry team at St Michael’s, which includes the priest-in-charge, the Rev Hugo Deadman, and the newly-appointed children and families worker Clare Hudson.

Connie was ordained in 2009 and has previously worked in parishes in Portchester and in Purbrook. She then became chaplain at the University of Portsmouth in 2018, and switched to her current role as a hospital chaplain in September 2023.

“I’m really excited to join the team, and to work closely with Fr Hugo and Clare, as well as the wider community in Paulsgrove,” she said. “I helped out during the vacancy, and was struck by the commitment and faithfulness of that community.

“And when I visited recently for the Paulsgrove Carnival, and on a couple of Sunday mornings, I’ve felt a real buzz there. I’m pleased I can combine both roles, as there is definitely room for overlap and collaboration – the hospital is only down the road.

“My experience of chaplaincy will definitely help in this new role in the community. The pastoral work you do in a hospital, accompanying people when they are experiencing pivotal times of their lives, is a good preparation for being involved in any local community.

“I’m really excited to find out how we can live out our faith in an authentic way, both individually and as a community.”

Before ordination, Connie worked at Aggie Weston’s in the naval base, which provides pastoral support to naval personnel and their families. She also worked in social care.

She will be licensed for her new role on a date to be confirmed.