A WOMAN from Rhyl has become Wales’ youngest priest following an ordination service at St Asaph Cathedral on Saturday (June 25).

Revd Natasha Quinn-Thomas, 25, was one of six candidates who affirmed their commitment to priestly ministry and way of life, and who were ordained by the Bishop of St Asaph, Revd Gregory Cameron.

Rhyl Journal: Natasha (right) during the ordination service. Photo: Diocese of St AsaphNatasha (right) during the ordination service. Photo: Diocese of St Asaph

Natasha said: “It’s been a long road. I’ve had a sense of calling from God since the age of seven after first meeting the vicar that came into my school.

“It’s been something that has been affirmed by many people around me, so it feels like a completion, or a final stage, where I’ve reached a point in my journey with God, and a real fulfilment of what I’m meant to be doing, right here, right now.

“I’m really excited to start my priestly ministry and see where that takes me.

Rhyl Journal: The six new priests with Bishop of St Asaph, Revd Gregory Cameron (centre). Photo: Diocese of St AsaphThe six new priests with Bishop of St Asaph, Revd Gregory Cameron (centre). Photo: Diocese of St Asaph

“I’m hoping that will involve more schools work, something that I really enjoy at the moment in the mission area.

“There are more young women and men coming forward. I’m still probably in the minority at present, but it’s hopefully going to be something that will change, and I hope that more young people will want to come forward.

“There are lots of young women in our church buildings. There are lots of young mothers, especially in our church family, so there is definitely a place for everybody in the church, regardless of age, gender, race; any background, at all.”

Natasha was ordained a deacon last year and has been serving in the Dyffryn Clwyd mission area.

For the first time since 2019, the service, which was also livestreamed, took place in front of a full congregation.

READ MORE:

St Asaph Bishop honours three women, admitting them to order of diocese

New lay and ecumenical canons appointed to St Asaph Cathedral

The six new priests are:

• Stephen Hayes (Mission Area Leader, Tanat-Vyrnwy Mission Area).

• Adrian Johnson (Assistant Curate, Mold Mission Area).

• Christopher Lawton (Assistant Curate, Aber-Morfa Mission Area).

• Natasha Quinn-Thomas (Assistant Curate, Dyffryn Clwyd Mission Area).

• Joseph Williams (Assistant Curate, Wrexham Mission Area).

• Michael Winwood (Assistant Curate, Maelor Mission Area).