A PRIEST has described his move to Worcester as a rollercoaster of emotion.

The Rev Christopher Stuart has left his post as curate of Pershore to become the new priest-in-charge at historic St John’s Church in Worcester.

The 35-year-old said moving has been an anxious, exciting time. “There is always anxiety about moving to a new place and taking on a new role with new responsibilities,” said Mr Stuart, who is originally from Lancashire.

“It’s a rollercoaster of emotion, but the people here have been really nice. I feel at peace. I feel that this is where I’m called to be.”

Mr Stuart will be formerly licensed as the priest-in-charge at 6pm on Sunday. As priest-in-charge, he will carry out the same parish duties and services as a vicar, but legally is a temporary curate. He is expected to remain with St John’s for at least three years.

Mr Stuart’s wife, Sarah, is a teacher. The couple moved into the St John’s vicarage three weeks ago.

“Moving house is exhausting,” said Mr Stuart. “But we’ve started to get the house how we want it. The cats have settled in and it’s starting to feel like home.

“Whatever the next few years bring, and I’m sure there will be ups and downs, I’m very happy to be here.” In Pershore, Mr Stuart, who was ordained a deacon in 2006 and a priest the following year, often worked in schools “I really enjoyed doing the assemblies and it grew to be quite a large part of my job in the parish. It was great fun.”