A HUSBAND and wife team are sharing their home and work life 24/7.
Reverands Helen and Gary Hodgson are the new vicar and curate at St Francis and St Hilda’s Church in Fixby and Cowcliffe.
And it does not end there for Mr Hodson is the Anglican Chaplain at Huddersfield University with his wife as associate chaplain.
“Our skills complement one another as we have a similar approach and outlook,” said Gary.
“Helen is very organised and efficient and we offer one another continuous support.”
It is not the first time the couple have worked together.
They were previously at All Hallows Church in Kirkburton as vicar and curate for more than six years.
Helen previously worked as curate at St Michael’s in Emley and Flockton and Gary was curate at Christ Church in South Ossett.
Gary was born in Sussex and Helen in Wales and they have lived in Yorkshire for the past 10 years.
They have four children – three still living at home – and their oldest daughter, Mary, is studying at Leeds University.
They also jointly care for Gary’s mum who lives with them.
The vicars were licensed in a service at St Francis’ Church by the Bishop of Pontefract, the Rt Rev Tony Robinson.
Representatives from Fixby Primary School, Scouts and Brownies, other local churches and young people were also at the service.
The Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Jean Calvert, attended as St Hilda’s Church is in her ward.
She said: “St Hilda’s Church is my special community service project. I hope both churches will continue to play a key role in serving the local community.”
