12 inquirers gathered on June 24 at St. Francis-in-the-Fields to listen deeply to God’s call in their lives. Participants included individuals discerning a call to ordained ministry as priests or deacons, as well as lay people discerning how God is calling them to serve as baptized Christians.
The day began with two workshops in which participants practiced methods for listening. Commission on Ministry chair, the Rev. Dr. Barbara Anne Fisher, led one on journaling and the Rev. Cathy Scott led one on lectio divina and centering prayer.
The day continued with a focus on different ways within the church to answer God’s call. Canon Brendan O’Sullivan-Hale moderated a panel comprised of Brother Jérôme Bertrand representing the lay order, the Rev. Cathy Scott representing deacons, and the Rev. Dr. Joél Muñoz representing priests. The panel compared the different orders and provided opportunities for each person to share their understanding and experience of God’s call.
Finally, Transition Minister Jennifer Phelps walked participants through the formal discernment process and continuing formation for each order of ministry. For lay people, programs like Sacred Ground, Preaching Among Friends, and Lay Eucharistic Visitors provide opportunities for ongoing development. For individuals considering ordained ministry, Jen emphasized beginning that process by discussions with their priest (or calling Jen to establish a priest mentor if the inquirer is in a parish without settled clergy).
Returning to the exercises of the morning, the group remembered that the foundation of all discernment is prayer.
The next Discerning God’s Call Retreat will be held on December 2, 2023, at Waycross. All inquirers, and their clergy, are welcome!
