The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival appointed Minor Canon and Chaplain
Sunday, 3rd March 2024
The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival, Curate at St Stephen with St John, Westminster, has been appointed Minor Canon and Chaplain of Westminster Abbey. She will take up her new post in April.
The Minor Canons are responsible for all worship and liturgy in the Abbey and in St Margaret's Church. This includes the celebration of the Eucharist and the provision of Sunday worship, as well as many special and annual services. As Chaplain, Helena will also have particular responsibility for providing pastoral care to staff and volunteers, and to the regular congregation of the Abbey.
Life of service
The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival said:
'I am thrilled to be taking up this role as Minor Canon and Chaplain at Westminster Abbey. The opportunity to join such a committed community in its life of service is a privilege, and I will particularly enjoy meeting visitors, staff and volunteers, as well as contributing to the worshipping life of the Abbey and its digital presence. As I move on to this new ministry, I would like to thank the people of St Stephen with St John, who have been wonderfully supportive in forming me to be the priest I am today.'
Sustaining our common life
Welcoming Helena to the Abbey, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said:
'We are delighted to welcome Helena into the life and worship of the Abbey. She will help strengthen and sustain our common life. I hope she will be very happy here.'
More about the Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival
Helena grew up in London and studied music before discerning a call to the priesthood and returning to London to work as a Pastoral Assistant in the Parish of Old St Pancras. Having been made a deacon by the Bishop of London in 2020, she served her curacy nearby in the Parish of St Stephen with St John, Westminster.
