KESTON ANNOUNCEMENT
The Bishop of Rochester, in consultation with the Dean and Chapter of Rochester Cathedral as Patron, is pleased to announce that The Revd Belinda Santana Perpetua Beckhelling is to be licensed as the next Rector of the benefice of Keston.
Belinda is currently Priest Vicar of Rochester Cathedral, following her time as Acting Precentor until August 2023, a post she held on completion of her curacy at the Cathedral in March 2023. She is also a Chaplain at La Providence French Hospital in Rochester, a role she will continue to hold alongside her part-time responsibilities at Keston.
Belinda trained at St Augustine’s College of Theology, and prior to ordination was a Head Teacher. She maintains a keen interest in the education of our young people, and for supporting those who teach them. She is looking forward to building on the excellent relationship already in place with the Staff and pupils at Keston Church of England Primary School and finding ways to develop that further, as well as creating bonds within the church family and making herself known amongst the local community.
Belinda has a daughter, Natasha, and a son, Nathan, who lives in Vancouver with his wife and children. Away from her priestly ministry she enjoys gardening and cooking, particularly utilising her home-grown produce, as well as walking and visiting our National parks and properties. She is particularly looking forward to getting to know the local paths and woodland around Keston and the neighbouring parishes.
Please hold Belinda in your prayers as plans are put in place for her to move into the Rectory in the coming months, and she begins to prepare for her new ministry amongst us. A date for her licensing is awaited from the Bishop, but we are hopeful this might be in the first half of April. Once these details are known they will, of course, be shared with you.
