Dictionary

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Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Home News Wrexham welcomes new Archdeacon

Wrexham welcomes new Archdeacon

Provincial news Posted: 6 March 2023

Archdeacon Hayley Matthews with Bishop Gregory Cameron

A new Archdeacon of Wrexham has been installed in a special service at St Asaph Cathedral.

Dr Hayley Matthews will look after churches and communities across the city and county of Wrexham, as well as Mold and Deeside. She succeeds John Lomas as Archdeacon of Wrexham who was appointed as the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon in November 2021.

The Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, installed her as Archdeacon during a service of Evensong yesterday (5 March). He said, “I am delighted to welcome Hayley to Wales and to the diocese. She brings a wealth of talent with her, and we look forward to her contribution to the leadership of the diocese.”

Hayley moved from the Diocese of Leeds, where she was the Director of Lay Training, to be the Archdeacon of Wrexham. She said, “I arrived in Wrexham on Ash Wednesday (22 February), delighted to start my journey as Archdeacon and also to share our Christian journey together towards the ultimate joy of Easter Sunday. I’ve much to learn about our churches and communities and can’t wait to learn how I may help and serve this wonderfully historic and fast progressing area.”

Originally from Worcester, Hayley was ordained as a deacon in Blackburn Cathedral in 2006 and priested the following year at Lancaster Priory. She was a chaplain at Media City in Salford and Rector of Holy Innocents in Fallowfield in the Diocese of Manchester before moving to the Diocese of Leeds. Before training as a priest, Hayley worked in education, developing virtual learning environments, and with Blackpool Local Education Authority, promoting inclusion through the Excellence in Cities programme.

Hayley has two children. She and her family enjoy the outdoors, reading and travelling. Moving to Wales gives her the opportunity to explore her grandfather’s family links to Ruabon and Wrexham.