Thomas Powe reflects on first month as new curate

Thomas Powe became ordained as a curate in June, currently serving at St Paul and St Stephen’s Church in Gloucester.

A curate is a newly ordained minister who does a period of supervised training in parish ministry, usually lasting three to four years. This phase is important for gaining practical experience in preaching, pastoral care, leading services, and being part of the wider church community.

Thomas was raised in a Christian family and is actively involved in youth ministry. He has led youth groups and two Christian Unions, and he led a ‘Dads and Kids’ Club with his wife in Thornbury Benefice, aiming to encourage more men to engage with the Church and explore their faith.

Reflecting on his first month in ministry, he said:

“Since becoming the curate at St Paul and St Stephen, I can only describe it as an incredible privilege. Within my first two weeks, I’ve been to my first PCC meeting, saw a wedding rehearsal, preached my first sermon and attended a deanery synod meeting.

“Wearing a collar takes some getting used to. I have already stopped traffic in Gloucester; someone came up to me and asked if I was religious. Another person also spoke to me and asked if I was a real vicar or going to a party dressed as one.

“I am learning a lot with my training incumbent and beginning to see the work of the Holy Spirit in my congregation. The conversations are truly remarkable and the opportunities to listen are awe inspiring.”

Thomas has always believed in God and has developed massively in his faith in the last three years of ordination training. He values silent prayer as a time to listen deeply to God.

“I believe I am doing what I feel God has called me to do and I wait with anticipation of what God will lead me to next in my curacy. I know there will be ups and downs but I know that God is always beside me.

“My training incumbent and I discovered we both have a painting of the story of Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman. In my Church I am learning that sometimes in ministry we need to sit by the well and restore our strength through Christ.”