Weekly Reflection – Introducing Father Doug Rice-Bowen

Firstly, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Father Doug Rice-Bowen and I will be with you on placement at Wakefield’s beautiful cathedral for the next three months. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Dean, Chapter and all the cathedral staff for the privilege of learning along side the whole community. I am currently serving as the curate at Holy Trinity in Skipton. For those who know Skipton, it is the big Church at the top of the high street. For those of you who may not know it, it is certainly worth a visit.

I began my Christian journey at my family church, St Margaret’s, Great Barr, near Walsall in the Black Country. I went from there to become a chorister at Ely Cathedral. This is where my life-long relationship with cathedrals began. After spending my adolescent years in Brighton I studied at Cardiff university for a Bachelor of Divinity but continued my career in music as a professional opera singer. More recently I have taught Religious Education in schools in London and Yorkshire. I was lucky enough to continue my singing as a choral lay vicar at St Paul’s Cathedral during my teaching.

I am married to Jane and have twins who keep me on my toes. When I am not working you will probably find me following my other passions of cricket, rugby and Brighton and Hove Albion. My family and I moved up to Yorkshire around 9 years ago back to Jane’s roots. I look forward to getting to know the community here in Wakefield and walking with you all in faith and discipleship.

Best wishes,
Father Doug