THE new priest for Hayling Island will focus on families and children – and aims to be a visible presence in the community.

Bishop Jonathan has announced that the Rev May Barker has been appointed as the new 0.5 associate priest of Hayling Island, subject to DBS. She will be working alongside the interim priest-in-charge the Rev Nick Todd.

May is currently rector of the united benefice of North Mundham with Merston and Hunston, just south of Chichester, which is also a 0.5 post. May will come with her husband Nigel, her son Joe and their three dogs.

She has worked as a nursery nurse, as a learning support assistant in a school, as a health care assistant in a hospital, and in a pharmacy before sensing a call to ordination. She had trained and served as a Reader in Winchester diocese before ordination training at Sarum Theological College.

She was a curate in Bournemouth and then served for two years as interim priest in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood in Winchester diocese. She switched to her current role in Chichester diocese four years ago.

“I had initially trained as a Reader, but didn’t feel God was calling me any further,” she said. “People began to talk about ordination, but I resisted. But over time I became aware of God wanting me to take the next step. The turning point for me came when I was administering the chalice one day and I felt God saying, ‘This is home’.

“I have been really blessed in ministry. My priorities have been to reach families and children, and also to be a visible presence in the community. We need to get out to where people are, and I’m looking forward to engaging with the schools in Hayling Island once I get there.

“I also love pastoral encounters and the chance to meet people when I’m out walking my dogs. Being by the sea is a real plus point. It is a real privilege to be involved in the significant moments of people’s lives, taking baptisms, weddings and funerals.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside Nick and reaching more people with the love of Jesus.”

The bishop expects to licence May in Hayling Island on January 20th.