A new priest has been appointed to serve one of Wales’s largest housing estates, Maesgeirchen, in Bangor.
Revd Andy Broadbent will be licensed on Sunday 19 October, as priest-in-charge of Eglwys y Groes, which serves the 4,000-strong community known locally as MaesG.
Ordained in June 2025, Revd Broadbent previously served in the Bro Dwylan Ministry Area, which covers the areas of Penmaenmawr, Llanfairfechan and Dwygyfylchi, where he led an innovative youth project funded by the Church in Wales. The Faith Alive scheme saw participation grow from just two children to more than 160 across three coastal parishes in a single year.
In his new role, Revd Broadbent hopes to build on work led by the local congregation and church wardens. During the pandemic, Sunday worship at Eglwys y Groes was suspended and after lockdown ended it moved to Thursdays. Regular Sunday services have since resumed, with Thursday gatherings continuing as a Bible study group.
His priorities include promoting both services more widely and developing new opportunities for worship and discipleship. Plans include launching an evening service for those unable to attend on Sundays, restarting children’s ministry through Messy Church and Sunday School, and supporting wider community projects on the estate.
Speaking ahead of his licensing, he said, “I’m so excited to get started in Eglwys y Groes and with the community of Maesgeirchen. I have a deep passion for making church fun and accessible for all ages, and the people here are already so full of life that it feels like a natural fit.
“I just want to be a service-led priest, meeting the needs of the community in a vibrant and loving church.”
Eglwys y Groes is part of the Bro Deiniol Ministry Area, which includes Bangor Cathedral.
The Very Revd Dr Manon Ceridwen James, Dean of Bangor Cathedral and Ministry Area Leader of Bro Deiniol says, “We are delighted to welcome Revd Andy Broadbent to Eglwys y Groes and the Maesgeirchen community. Andy brings energy, creativity, and a deep commitment to serving people of all ages. We know he will be a real asset to the parish and will build on the strong foundations already in place.”
Revd Andy’s licensing takes place on Sunday 19 October at 11am at Eglwys y Groes. All are welcome to attend.
