Meet the Team

Fr Thomas is the Parish Priest and arrived in the Parish in August 2022 with his wife Sarah and their children, but has had quite the journey to get here! Born in Denmark, raised in the Netherlands, and a Primary School teacher, he came to Oxford first in 2014 to live and work at Pusey House and St Barnabas Jericho. He trained at Wycliffe Hall, served his curacy in Lancing and Sompting in West Sussex, and now invites everyone on their journey to join us at either of our two churches.

Fr Bernard and his wife Jenny are both from Yorkshire and retired to Oxford after many years in parish ministry. Their daughter Helen and granddaughter Ella live not too far away, and they relish seeing them fairly often. Fr Bernard is an honorary Canon of St George’s Cathedral Ho in Ghana, and is also a member of the Society of Retreat Conductors, the Society of Ordained Scientists, and a trustee of the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship. His retirement is kept fairly active as he plays chess, likes cricket and drinks tea!

Fr Richard was born in Cambridge. In 1976 he came to Oxford to read Classics at Corpus Christi College, and from 1980 until 1994 he taught the subject at Radley College. He then returned to the university, first as Assistant Chaplain at Keble College and then as Fellow, Chaplain and Lecturer in Classics at Brasenose College. He left that fixed-term post in 2002 and moved into the parish. He combines assisting in our churches with serving as non-resident parish priest of Rousham near Bicester. He enjoys watching cricket and rugby, listening to music, reading poetry and exploring wine.

Fr James Finnemore was born in Port Elizabeth in South Africa, but came to Oxford as a 5-year old in 1964. After school he spent a year in Lesotho at a Mission Station. He trained for the priesthood with the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield, Yorkshire, and was ordained for a parish in Leeds, later moving to Hull. He consequently spent 25 years as Parish Priest of 5 villages on Garrowby Hill in East Riding. There he kept hens and cattle, which he misses tremendously. In 2016 he returned to Oxford look after his parents, while he also helps out at Pusey House and in Yarnton.

Apart from being one of our tireless Church Wardens, Miriam also helps with the flowers, is the brain behind our Messy Church crafts, welcomes everyone into church, and helps the Treasurer. But don’t let that frighten you, she is as lovely as they come.

Ann Marie is also our cantor, knows how to serve at the altar (and yes: she can combine the two if needed!), serves you refreshments, helps with Messy Church, and is pretty amazing all round.

Mark is a prime example to show that you’re never too old to (re)turn to church. He was confirmed a few years ago, and now can be seen in church – whenever he isn’t out cycling, swimming, cooking, or doing any other of his amazing hobbies.

Wilbur has been our regular organist since 1967! As he says himself: he’s only just started. He knows everything there is to know, and doubles as Sacristan (with Mark’s assistance) on top of his skilful playing.

Apart from being an amazing chef, mother, TA, and many other things, Sophia keeps us all safe and grounded. Do make sure you get to know her whenever you have a chance!