Our Staff and Structure
Our Staff
Our vicar Michael Beckett has been here for over 25 years. He was joined in 2013 by Jon Canessa, Associate Priest (part time) who is also the Bishop of Ely’s Homelessness Adviser. We also have two active Licensed Lay Ministers Julia Evans, who takes a special interest in the work with children and young people and Christina Barry who is particularly involved with the elderly in the parish. We are waiting to fill posts for our congregational and community work with families, children and young people.
Rev Michael Beckett
Vicar
Our vicar Michael Beckett has been here for over 25 years. He came to Cambridge to first be curate of St. Barnabas church under Rev. Douglas Holt then moving on to become vicar at St. Paul's. He is married to Debbie and has four adult children and 8 grandchildren and is very much a family man. He is utterly committed to 'All are welcome' and with his teaching and example has guided the church along this path over the last 25 years. He has initiated and overseen the development of the building into a great community facility as well as a place for a vibrant church gathering. He is a fine pastor of his congregation and does a huge amount of work behind the scenes in encouraging and supporting those in need. He is a forthright, 'no holes barred' humorous man and is greatly loved.
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. He is a gentle, humble and deeply spiritual man unstinting in his work with all people. Jon is passionate about music; he frequently goes to gigs and is the only person alive still buying CDs. He's also quite a keen bird watcher. Jon is married to Lynne and they have two children.
Julia Evans
Licensed Lay Minister
Julia Evans is a Licensed Lay Minister and is involved in leading & speaking at St Paul's and children and families work. She is now retired from primary school teaching which gives her time to be involved in the various programmes 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 8 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.'
Christina Barry
Licensed Lay Minister
Christina Barry has been involved in the life of St Paul’s church and school since joining the parish in 1985. Life events in recent years led to a ministry in pastoral care and she is now a Licensed Lay Minister. Christina supports ministry with the elderly at St Paul’s in this time of growing need and vulnerability and has developed a good relationship between the church and St George’s Court Nursing Home. Christina has a keen eye for detail and is a great asset on any committee. Christina is still active as a singing teacher and has two adult children living abroad who she enjoys visiting when it is possible.
