THE Revd Dr John Fitzmaurice will be moving to the city to take up his new post as director of ordinands and vocation in the Diocese of Worcester.

Dr Fitzmaurice is currently vicar in a parish just outside of Warwick in the Diocese of Coventry but in his new role he will be a "vocations champion".

He will also work with people who feel a vocation to accredited ministry in the Church of England, whether as a lay person or ordained as a priest.

Bishop John said: “In his application form and in interview, it was obvious that John was an exceptional candidate.

"He has a gift for inspiring and enthusing people to consider their vocation under God.

"As well as fostering vocations in his own parish, he has been vocations adviser for the Diocese of Coventry and is also a National Selector for the Bishops Advisory Panel which has to be attended by all candidates for ordination.

"He will bring a great deal to the Diocese and we look forward to welcoming him.”

Dr Fitzmaurice said he was passionate about Christian ministry and the way it was evolving in the Church of England.

"There are a number of changes currently being discussed by the General Synod and that makes it a very exciting time to be involved in this area of work.

"It will be great to support people through the process and help to encourage more collaboration between different types of lay and ordained ministry.

"I’m also looking forward to getting to know Worcestershire and Dudley, meeting lots of new people and working with other colleagues in the Diocese.”

Originally from Ireland, he moved to England to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was a music teacher and head of music in secondary schools before training for ordination.

Mr Fitzmaurice will move to Worcester with his wife and their two children, aged 20 and 18, as well as Bailey, the family dog.

He will start as Director of Ordinands and Vocation in June taking over from Canon Georgina Byrne who will continue to be a Residentiary Canon of Worcester Cathedral.