Reverend Carol Monk (Associate Priest)

My name is Carol Monk and I’m the Associate Priest here at St. Peter’s in Ash. I joined the parish in July 2011, since when I’ve had the privilege of presiding at weddings, baptism and funerals as well as the regular Sunday Services, and of course getting involved with the many other events we have here at St. Peter’s. Although I live in Aldershot with my husband John, I do very much know that Ash is where God has called me to be. Part of that ‘calling’ was the decision to step away from paid employment some 6 years ago. I’m what the ‘Church’ calls an SSM, or NSM (Self Supporting Minister or Non-Stipendiary Minister), which means exactly that – I’m not paid for my ministry. 

As well as my role here at St. Peter’s, until the summer of 2025, I’ve also been involved with the Chaplaincy at Frimley Park Hospital, firstly as a volunteer Chaplain, and then as a Bank Chaplain. I’m also a Royal Army Chaplain as I’m Padre to Surrey Army Cadet Force. Both Chaplaincy and Parish Ministry are part of my ‘calling’, particularly when it comes to pastoral ministry, which I find can be the most rewarding, and the most challenging!  At St. Peter’s we also have a ministry of healing and this too is something that’s close to my heart.  

You can’t be a Parish Priest if you don’t like people, and I can truly say that one of the enjoyable parts of my role here is meeting people from all walks of life, being able to share with them on those important occasions such as their, or their child’s Baptism, when they’re getting married, and there is nothing more humbling than being able to walk alongside someone when they have been bereaved, or are perhaps facing a difficult time in their lives.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time pottering around the garden, or out walking with my dog. I also like to travel when I can. But nothing gives me more pleasure than to have a gathering of family and friends for a meal of BBQ (weather permitting!).

I know that God has called me to be here to St. Peter’s, and I consider it a real privilege to be able to serve Him and you, the people of Ash.