Holy Orders
This pages gives a brief introduction to vocations to the priesthood and diaconate at St Mary’s Church, and answers the following questions:
What is ordination about?
"Ordination is the ministry in which, through prayer with the laying on of hands, our Lord Jesus Christ gives the grace of the Holy Spirit, and authority, to those who are being made bishops, priests and deacons."
(The Revised Catechism of the Church of England)
Among the ministries of the Church are those of bishops, priests, and deacons. The bishop is a successor of the apostles and has the responsibility in his diocese of leading the faithful as pastor, of teaching the faith, and proclaiming the gospel and of making the people holy through the celebration of the sacraments. The priests and deacons share in this ministry. Through ordination, bishops, priests, and deacons, receive special grace to perform these functions. But it is also necessary that the Church first discerns whether God is calling them to this role and then to prepare them for their ministry by thorough formation and training. Those called also need to be provided with opportunities for discernment and formation.
Who can be ordained?
In the Church of England, any one over the age of 23, who has been baptized and confirmed, who had received the appropriate training, whose vocation has been accepted by the bishop, and who is prepared to make the necessary commitments may be ordained the diaconate of priesthood.
How are Candidates selected?
The prospective candidate for ordination would normally discuss with their parish priest whether the might have a vocation. At an appropriate time, and assuming they are eligible, the candidate will then be invited to meet with a vocation guide, and/or the diocesan director of ordinands, and then later the bishop. The candidate would then go through a formal assessment and selection procedure known as a bishops’ advisory panel. The panel then write to the bishop to recommend whether or not the should train for ordination, and the bishop will then make a decision.
If the candidate is accepted, they will begin a period of formation and training.
How are candidates prepared for ministry?
Once candidates are accepted, they undergo an extensive period of formation for ministry at theological college (either full-time or part-time).
During training the candidate undertakes academic study which will include scripture, theology, liturgy, church history, ethics, and philosophy. They will also spend time in prayer and in spiritual formation as well as formation in a number of other areas. Training lasts normally two or three years at theological college, after which, assuming the candidate is ready for ordination, he is ordained as deacon. The deacon then begins his curacy during which time he will work closely under the supervision of another priest and continue training as a curate for three to four years.
I think I may have a vocation – what should I do?
Speak to a priest about it! Any priest will be happy to talk to you about priesthood or the diaconate. If you are thinking about the diaconate, you might also want to speak to a permanent deacon. Also pray about it – ask God to guide you in your thinking and reflection. But don’t wait for a final answer at this stage. You’re not making a final commitment by talking about it, or even by beginning formation. That final commitment does not come until ordination.
What about other vocations?
All Christians are called by God (the meaning of the work ‘vocation’ is ‘calling’). Clearly it is good for all of us, especially the young, to reflect on what God wants us to do with our lives. For some, this may be a vocation to serve the Church in a distinctive way, such as in the religious life as a sister or brother, or a nun or monk. Once again, it would be good to talk with the parish priest who will then help put you in contact with the right people to talk with.
If you want to discuss vocation more generally don’t hesitate to contact the clergy.
This pages gives a brief introduction to vocations to the priesthood and diaconate at St Mary’s Church, and answers the following questions:
- What is ordination about?
- Who can be ordained?
- How are candidates selected?
- How are candidates prepared for ministry?
- I think I may have a vocation- what should I do?
- What about other vocations?
What is ordination about?
"Ordination is the ministry in which, through prayer with the laying on of hands, our Lord Jesus Christ gives the grace of the Holy Spirit, and authority, to those who are being made bishops, priests and deacons."
(The Revised Catechism of the Church of England)
Among the ministries of the Church are those of bishops, priests, and deacons. The bishop is a successor of the apostles and has the responsibility in his diocese of leading the faithful as pastor, of teaching the faith, and proclaiming the gospel and of making the people holy through the celebration of the sacraments. The priests and deacons share in this ministry. Through ordination, bishops, priests, and deacons, receive special grace to perform these functions. But it is also necessary that the Church first discerns whether God is calling them to this role and then to prepare them for their ministry by thorough formation and training. Those called also need to be provided with opportunities for discernment and formation.
Who can be ordained?
In the Church of England, any one over the age of 23, who has been baptized and confirmed, who had received the appropriate training, whose vocation has been accepted by the bishop, and who is prepared to make the necessary commitments may be ordained the diaconate of priesthood.
How are Candidates selected?
The prospective candidate for ordination would normally discuss with their parish priest whether the might have a vocation. At an appropriate time, and assuming they are eligible, the candidate will then be invited to meet with a vocation guide, and/or the diocesan director of ordinands, and then later the bishop. The candidate would then go through a formal assessment and selection procedure known as a bishops’ advisory panel. The panel then write to the bishop to recommend whether or not the should train for ordination, and the bishop will then make a decision.
If the candidate is accepted, they will begin a period of formation and training.
How are candidates prepared for ministry?
Once candidates are accepted, they undergo an extensive period of formation for ministry at theological college (either full-time or part-time).
During training the candidate undertakes academic study which will include scripture, theology, liturgy, church history, ethics, and philosophy. They will also spend time in prayer and in spiritual formation as well as formation in a number of other areas. Training lasts normally two or three years at theological college, after which, assuming the candidate is ready for ordination, he is ordained as deacon. The deacon then begins his curacy during which time he will work closely under the supervision of another priest and continue training as a curate for three to four years.
I think I may have a vocation – what should I do?
Speak to a priest about it! Any priest will be happy to talk to you about priesthood or the diaconate. If you are thinking about the diaconate, you might also want to speak to a permanent deacon. Also pray about it – ask God to guide you in your thinking and reflection. But don’t wait for a final answer at this stage. You’re not making a final commitment by talking about it, or even by beginning formation. That final commitment does not come until ordination.
What about other vocations?
All Christians are called by God (the meaning of the work ‘vocation’ is ‘calling’). Clearly it is good for all of us, especially the young, to reflect on what God wants us to do with our lives. For some, this may be a vocation to serve the Church in a distinctive way, such as in the religious life as a sister or brother, or a nun or monk. Once again, it would be good to talk with the parish priest who will then help put you in contact with the right people to talk with.
If you want to discuss vocation more generally don’t hesitate to contact the clergy.