VOCATION DISCERNMENT RESOURCES
God Calling is the primary resource for the Discernment and Ordination process. Read it thoroughly.
A shorter excerpt from God Calling, suitable for those just testing their vocation, is available here to download as well: God Calling: Excerpts for Seekers.
vocational discernment guide
The recently developed Vocation Discernment resources include a comprehensive Guidebook for Enquirers and a Discussion book for Vocational Companions. Both are available here and should be read in conjunction with God Calling. More information is available from the Director of Discernment.
recommended readings
There are many books published that will assist you in the discernment of your vocation - ordained or otherwise. The document below contains a number of books which have been helpful to others in their vocational journey. Many are available in the DDOV Office or at the Roscoe Library at St Francis Theological College, Milton. Please do enquire if you would like to borrow any of the books listed, or you may choose to purchase a title to accompany you on your journey of discernment.
Recommended Reading for Vocational Discernment
ST FRANCIS COLLEGE SHORT COURSES
St Francis Theological College is the place for theological education in the ACSQ. If you are unfamiliar with the College, you can get a sample of theological thinking through the St Francis College Short Courses, created to take people deeper into their faith and give them a greater understanding of the Christian faith and Anglican ways of thinking in particular.
Recommended Short Courses for those considering ordained ministry include:
There are other courses available, but these will get you started if you aren’t sure what you need to know.
VIDEO RESOURCES
The Vocations YouTube Channel has some videos which might inspire you, and we also recommend some other videos from around the world which feature priests doing diverse priestly ministry. If you want to watch something with your coffee or lunch, try these.
Anglican Vocations SQ YouTube Channel - videos produced here in the ACSQ about vocation.
Godspeed: The Pace of Being Known - a short film about a priest’s journey
Diocese of Toronto, Canada - Is God Calling you to be a priest?
Kingdom Calling - Stories of vocation from the Church of England
Guided Prayers and Reflections
At the heart of all stages of discernment and ministry, is prayer. However you pray, continue to undertake it regularly, even and especially when it seems like you are not being heard or answered.
The ordained ministry in one sense is being the jack of all trades, but you must try to master one, prayer. Most of us are not good at it but persevere. A relationship with God can only be achieved through talking, listening and responding through the Holy Spirit.
Personal reflection and guided prayer activities are among the best ways to calm the nervous thinking about vocation and rest in the knowledge that we are known and loved by God, whatever our vocation.
The booklet Discerning Vocation contains some prayerful activities to help you reflect on your life and vocational prompts. You can download it and work through it alone, or with a spiritual companion or study group.
Anglican Communion Websites
The Church of England has an excellent site and is worth spending some time looking at.
https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/vocations
https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/vocations/your-calling
Diocesan Guidelines and Documents
The Parishes Regulation Canon provides information at Regulation IV on Stipends; Regulation V on Provision of Housing; and Regulation VI on Travelling Facilities (cars etc).
Support People
You should build up a network of people who will pray for you, advise you, and/or answer your questions about vocation. These could include:
your Parish Priest
a Spiritual Director
a small group or study group
your current Priest’s spouse
the Clergy Spouse Fellowship
THE DIRECTOR OF DISCERNMENT
You can contact the Rev’d Canon Sarah Plowman, who is responsible for the Discernment process via email vocations@anglicanchurchsq.org.au.
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