About us - St Paul's, Cambridge

St Paul's
Making connections within ourselves, with other people and with God.
About us

St Paul’s is an Anglican (Church of England) church in the heart of Cambridge serving local people, and is within the Diocese of Ely. We are an inclusive and informal community who are committed to creating a more just, peaceful and compassionate world. Through our services, our community involvement and our pastoral care, we seek to make connections within ourselves, with other people and with God. Our aim is to support one another to live authentically as we seek to respond to the love of God, who has already reached out to us in Christ. Our services and activities are open to everyone.

Our vicar, Michael Beckett, has been here for over 25 years and was joined in 2013 by Jon Canessa who is the Associate Priest.
We hold a worship service nearly every day of the week (except Thursday & Saturday) in the Chapel and in the Main Hall on Sundays. There is something for everyone and all are welcome, whether of longstanding faith or none. To find out about services and other events, check this week's St Paul's Family News. For an account of the past year, see the Annual Report 2018-19 For St Paul's Remembers, click here.
Making connections within ourselves, with other people, and with God.
St Paul's Team

Rev Michael Beckett
Vicar

Michael has been vicar of St Paul's for over 25 years. He loves the variety of the job and especially that he is allowed 'to be himself' and to develop as he journeys with the community at St Paul's.
Michael wants all who cross the threshold of St. Paul's to experience what he experiences, which is acceptance and the possibility of being more fully human and truly ourselves.
He is married to Debbie and they have four children and seven grandchildren. Michael is a keen golfer and a passionate Liverpool FC supporter.

vicar@stpaulscambridge.org.uk

Rev Jon Canessa
Associate Priest

Jon studied Youth & Community Work at Ridley Hall and completed ordination training at Westcott House. Before going into ministry Jon managed a Mental Health charity and has a background working with the street life and homeless community. In addition to his role as Associate Priest, he is also the Bishop's Adviser for Homelessness and chairs the Cambridge Churches Homeless Project. Jon is passionate about music; he frequently goes to gigs and is the only person alive still buying CDs. Jon is married to Lynne and they have two children.

jon@stpaulscambridge.org.uk
Helen Christy
Community Development Officer

Helen Christy is St Paul's Community Development Officer and began this role in 2016. She works with a number of Newtown residents in community spaces: bringing people together and sharing new experiences, including enjoying nature and creative art projects.
Helen previously worked for the City Council for 20 years as Community Development Officer.
Helen loves the outdoors and is a keen runner and rower.
Helen is married to Colin and has four children.

helen@stpaulscambridge.org.uk

Julia Evans
Licensed Lay Minister

Julia Evans is a Licensed Lay Minister and is involved in leading & speaking at St Paul's. Julia loves the wide and varied friendships and community of St. Paul's, and is fortunate to have her 2 children living close by with whom she and her husband Martin spend time, particularly her 5 year old granddaughter Wren who teaches her much about God and life. Unfortunately she also likes food and all things sparkly but tries to contain both! She is currently learning to play the piano, a long time wish, and in the hope of keeping her mind 'nimbleish.'

congregation@stpaulscambridge.org.uk
Jenny Cavallo
Centre Manager

Jenny manages the running of the building and the day to day life of St Paul's, including room bookings, health and safety, and the organisation of larger events.

office@stpaulscambridge.org.uk
Dianne Slack
Front of House

Dianne is the initial point of contact for anyone arriving at St Paul's for the first time. Along with Jenny she also manages the room bookings.

hello@stpaulscambridge.org.uk
Diane Hicks
Safeguarding Officer

Diane is responsible for safeguarding, ensuring we are compliant with national and diocesan requirements, as well as organising DBS checks for volunteers.

safeguarding@stpaulscambridge.org.uk
Structure of st. Paul's
St Paul's is overseen and managed by the Parochial Church Council. Within this are several separate working groups who, together with the PCC as a whole, seek to ensure that the mission statement of St Paul's is fulfilled. Our aim is that everyone who comes into the building, whatever their circumstances, finds opportunities to connect with themselves, with others and with God.
Find out more