Reverend Alan Jewell, the Vicar of St Matthew’s, Stretton and St Cross, Appleton Thorn has announced that Ruth Mock has been appointed Assistant Curate to the parishes following consultation with Wardens and PCCs of both Stretton and Appleton Thorn parishes.

Ruth is currently the Diocesan Family Life Officer, based at Church House in Daresbury, supporting parishes in their work with families. She is a former primary school teacher and mother of three boys – one doing finals, one doing A levels and one doing GCSEs this summer.

The parishes have a good history of training curates and it is expected that Ruth will gain experience of parish ministry that will set her up for the rest of her life as a priest in the Church of England over the next three years.

Mrs Mock is married to the Revd David Mock, currently vicar of All Saints and St Barnabas in Macclesfield, but due to take up the post of vicar of Barnton on Monday 26th June.

In his announcement, Revd Alan Jewell says,

“I’m very excited at the prospect of working with Ruth. I think she has a lot to offer and I hope that we will be able to provide her with a good experience at the start of her ordained ministry.”

“Please pray with us for Ruth and David, and their family, as they prepare for the next stage of their life and ministry.”

Ruth will, of course, be living in Barnton and will travel in to the parish office at St Matthew’s Church Hall where she will be based.