The vicar for the Parish of Hirwaun is the Ceirion James Rees he has responsibility for two Churches within the Parish: St Lleurwg Church (Hirwaun) and the sister church St Winifred (Penywaun).
If you have any enquiries regarding Church Business please contact the Reverend Ceirion James Rees Direct on Tel: 01685 813046 or by email revdceirees@hotmail.com
It was while working in politics that Revd Ceirion Rees felt called to switch careers and enter the priesthood. He will serve at St Lleurwg’s and St Winifred’s, taking over from Revd Bernard Jones who has retired. Ceirion, 33, moves from the parish of Coity, Nolton and Brackla where he has served as curate for the past two-and-a-half years. Originally from Merthyr Tydfil, Ceirion was working as a research assistant for Assembly Members in Cardiff when he felt called to enter the church. “It was on my 26th birthday that I had a real sense that God was calling me to ordination,” said Ceirion. Within a year he was at college studying theology, where he met his wife Liz, and by 30, he was ordained.
“Growing up it was always politics and the church that interested me but initially even though I thought I could run the country, I didn’t feel mature enough to enter the church! I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now. It just feels like this is what I was always meant to do.” Over the last few years, Ceirion has worked with the local food bank in Bridgend and worked as a school chaplain. “I really enjoyed working with children and just being around people generally in all of my work.
Here in Hirwaun I need to find my way around and work to develop the parish.” A Cardiff Blues rugby fan, Ceirion used to play tag rugby but now keeps fit by bouncing on his trampoline and circuit training. Bishop David Wilbourne, Assistant Bishop of Llandaff said, “What you see with Cei is what you get, fresh faced, enthusiastic, humorous, very faithful, with a pragmatic, practical approach to life which is very rooted in the South Wales valleys community to which he returns for his first post of responsibility. “He is married to Liz, who like Cei, has a tremendous heart for ministry and the people of Hirwaun and the surrounding community undoubtedly will much enjoy their presence and encouragement.