STARTING any new job that involves working closely with the local community is always a daunting challenge at the best of times.

Throw in a global pandemic for good measure and things get even trickier.

But new Newcastle Emlyn vicar Jonathan Parker is taking everything calmly in his stride since starting his new post at Holy Trinity Church on September 15.

“I have to admit it has been difficult to get a feel for the town due to the social distancing measures in place and then the subsequent two-week lockdown,” said Reverend Parker, who was based in Fishguard before coming to Newcastle Emlyn.

“You can’t really potter around and drop in on people and businesses and many of the groups and organisations in town are not running at the moment.”

Reverend Parker was originally a teacher at St Davids before training for the ministry at Cardiff and has moved to the town with his wife, who is a supply teacher at Newcastle Emlyn School.

He has a daughter at Bangor University and a son at Ysgol y Preseli.

“One of the things that attracted me to the town is that it has its own distinct personality, with its independent shops and traders,” he said.

“Unfortunately, because of the pandemic we have had to scale back many of the things we do at the church.

“We are only allowed 30 people in the church and have to take all the necessary precautions. Normally I would go and visit people but that’s not allowed and it’s all been done on the phone or email and we have had to embrace technology to keep in touch.

“We have been able to hold virtual services and we have a regular prayer meeting on a Wednesday but I understand people feeling apprehensive and vulnerable about attending church.

“I am looking forward to when I can have more contact with people and be more involved in the community.

“But parishoners have been very good at keeping in touch with each other and looking after each other.

“For many, however, these past nine months have been very, very difficult and it is about reaching out to people and trying to help.”

And that is already playing a key role in Reverend Parker’s thoughts as he looks to establish a food bank in Newcastle Emlyn, working alongside the already established food bank at Llandysul.

“We are looking to start distributing food parcels from the church here. People who need to access the service often cannot travel and are already disadvantaged and it is important we try to help them,” said Reverend Parker.

“And I am keen that the food bank will not just be seen as a church thing. I would like the community as a whole to be involved and people to come forward to volunteer and help out. It may operate from the church but it is not just a church thing.”