‘I knew I would be called back’ –St John’s Church’s new vicar

This is Solveig Sonet’s first incumbency after spending the last few years of her curacy serving on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset.

She first came to Guernsey in 2019 as part of her training for the priesthood when she worked as a chaplain at the Town Church.

‘I have no family connection here. But as soon as I came here, I felt a strong connection with this place,’ she said.

‘It must be the mix of French and English history.

'I can’t really put this into words but I have always felt strongly pulled towards Guernsey, to come back and live here and work here.’

Serendipity brought her back when the position at St John’s became available just as her curacy ended.

‘I knew I would be called back to Guernsey. When this came up, it felt like the perfect fit.

'The congregation have been so lovely. The way they do the worship here is exactly the way I would like to continue things as well.

#The chaplaincy in the prison is an unexpected turn for me, but I it is an amazing opportunity and great privilege to work there.

‘I’ve never really worked officially in a prison.

'But I think with chaplaincy, people are people and wherever you are offering pastoral care to people is the same.’

Born in Paris, Ms Sonet grew up in Strasbourg and only came to the UK when she went to Winchester University, initially for a year on an exchange programme.

‘I didn’t speak a word of English at all. I did German at school because I grew up close to the German border.

‘I ran away from my calling to priesthood for many years because I didn’t really want to commit to it.

‘Then, in maybe 2013, I started quite seriously looking into the training.

‘So it’s been a long, long journey, probably about 10 years from start, start to finish.’

Accompanying Reverend Sonet is Sonia, her 11-month-old Bedlington Terrier.

‘She’s already been a great success in the parish,’ she said.

‘I think she’s going to be very much part of my ministry. I think people just love her.’