New Vicar for Taunton Minster and St John the Evangelist

We are delighted to announce that Revd Sam Healey has been appointed as the new Vicar of the Benefice of Taunton Minster and St John the Evangelist. Sam is currently Associate Minister at St Paul’s Church, Weston-super-Mare.

Reacting to his appointment, Sam said, “I’m so excited to be going to serve the people of Taunton Minster and St John’s. I feel deeply blessed to have been called by God to this new role. I am looking forward to all that lies ahead and to developing relationships across the town.”

Sam has served as Associate Minister at St Paul’s Church, Weston-super-Mare, since 2023, with responsibility for ministry among children and families, young people, students and young adults, alongside preaching, pastoral care and church operations. He was previously Assistant Curate in the Isle of Wedmore Benefice, where he was ordained deacon in 2020 and priest in 2021.

The Benefice of Taunton Minster and St John the Evangelist has a shared presence at the heart of Taunton’s civic and community life. Looking ahead to supporting the life and ministry of both churches and their work across Taunton, Sam said, “There are already so many wonderful things taking place, so for me it’s going to be about listening, seeing what’s there, working with that and building on it.”

Before ordination, Sam worked for Christians Against Poverty in communications and church fundraising, and for Nationwide Building Society supporting customers with sensitive financial matters. He trained for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, where he gained a Diploma in Theology, and also holds a degree in Journalism and Politics.

Originally from Yorkshire, Sam is married to Jo, who is also ordained, and they have a young daughter. In his spare time, Sam enjoys walking, visiting National Trust houses and gardens, reading and cooking. He also collects joke books, with a collection approaching 500 volumes.

Sam is expected to take up his new role in the new year