Rev Jacques Desrosiers will be licensed as team vicar in the Rye Ministry, with special responsibility for Camber and East Guldeford on Tuesday, April 1 at 7:30 pm at St Thomas’, Camber. It would be wonderful to see a full church to welcome him to this important role.
In conversation with Jacques we find out a little more about him and the journey which led him to take up this post.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cornwall Ontario, a mill town (cotton, paper, Courtaulds) just south of Ottawa. It was a traditional French-Canadian upbringing, living with my parents, grandparents and a great aunt, playing sports and never leaving town (at one point we were seven in a small three-bedroom home). My parents first had a daughter who died at birth (but was always remembered), followed by a brother the year after and then me, four years later. My brother named me after a professional ice hockey player. I’m the last of that family.
When you left school what career did you pursue?
After secondary school, I studied finance and accounting and then qualified as a chartered accountant. Shortly after qualifying, I started work with charities working in international development, for fifteen years. This would eventually take us to the UK.
When did you become a priest?
1994: I was ordained deacon in Canterbury, followed by a three-year curacy as a self-supporting minister in Benenden, Kent.
When did you move to England?
In 1987 to take up a post with a charity in London looking for someone who could speak French, was a chartered accountant and worked in international development (we don’t grow on trees). Suse is UK born. It was a two-year contract and we reluctantly returned to Canada in 1989 … but came back for good, a year later.
What do you see as your challenges with the two parishes you are taking on?
I think patiently building up these congregations, especially Camber which has struggled over the past few years. I will not be living in Camber itself so I’ll need to establish a credible presence there. I will especially need to establish good relations and even relationships with key people in these parishes, both in and out of the church. Luckily we have two able, keen and well-intentioned churchwardens. Besides that, living out the wonderful Niebuhr prayer, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Would Susan use the same words?
Persevering, introvert, worrier. Probably not (but it would depend on how well I was behaving). I asked Susan and her response was faithful, dedicated and patient.
What have you got left on your bucket list?
I don’t really have a bucket list. I once wanted to go to India but less so these days. I once wanted to learn to play an instrument, and I’ve settled on being a back-porch banjo player.
Any list would have something to do with traits I don’t like in myself and changing my outlook on life and doing certain things more often and regularly before the clock runs out.
What are your hobbies or interests?
I love reading and constantly have a book on the go. I have a particular love of history (almost studied that at university, but maybe that was a lucky escape). I love poetry though I don’t always understand it. I play golf very badly (on occasions I think I’m the worst golfer in the world and maybe I am). I love to pick up the banjo and I love to (slowly) learn a new piece of music (but if I try to perform in front of others, I fall to pieces). I love walking and especially exploring new routes and new footpaths. “Nowhere is ever too far to walk to; it depends on how much time you have.
Where is your favourite place?
Anywhere that’s private, (usually) quiet and peaceful – a dock by a river, a bench off a footpath or even the middle of a town or city, a rocking chair – pretty-well anywhere but especially on a veranda, a table surrounded by the noisy clatter of my family, a pub in a corner or a snug with a pint of good beer before me, (and a few other places I can’t mention in polite company).
In terms of cities, I love the heart of Rome, even when thronging with tourists and anywhere where there’s a real sense of history and antiquity.”
Camber are looking for an organist or keyboard player to join the team and raise the musical profile of the church. If you are interested please contact Susan 07869 108819.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .
Very best of luck to Jacques. Camber and East Guldeford will be very well served.