The Busy Steps Towards Ordination
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THE BUSY STEPS TOWARDS ORDINATION I do like to keep busy. Busy has been the operative word over the last two years of training as an Ordinand [one chosen for and preparing to be ordained]. Prior to the training there was eighteen months of meetings with the Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO). Then a three day Bishop’s Advisory Panel (BAP), at Ely. The time spent at Ely involved a number of interviews, and presentations based on the information gathered from the DDO. After the BAP’s recommendation I finally became an Ordinand and started attending St Augustine’s College of Theology, in September 2016. From then on I have been kept busy attending seventy- two Wednesday evening sessions from 6pm -9pm. I have attended sixteen residential weekends, which consisted of lectures in theological reflection, biblical studies, pastoral care, doctrine, church history and liturgy. The result of studying these ‘formational’ subjects offered a deeper understanding of scripture and development of practical ministerial tools for application in the future. Indeed, looking ahead, this was time that demanded focus, good time management and tenacity. Moreover, sticking to the diary was key, strictly observing where I needed to be next. Despite good time management, it still demanded some late nights rummaging through copious amounts of books and notes. With books and notes at the ready on these subjects, there was, of course, the requirement of essays which amounted to two essays per module and three modules per annum. The essays were marked by Durham University. Its marking criteria was very strict and precise, so this kept me on my academic toes. Added to this, there would often be additional written reflective work to write, which underpin personal thinking and future ministry application. Moreover, application in ministry was the primary objective supporting the written work, therefore the essays proved helpful, especially at times when there was opportunity to apply the theological learning in different contexts. There were three contexts where I could apply the theological learning. The first was to undertake a 30 hrs Mission Project with five fellow Ordinands. We were placed at St Justus Rochester and supervised by the Incumbent, who provided advice and support for our mission project. The project was designed around a social event which took place in January 2017 and was held in the church hall, providing refreshments with a chance for the community to share some time together. The event was a great success where 80 plus people attended. Based on the 1 success of the mission project, I was required to write both a 6,000 word portfolio as well as deliver a presentation on it during a residential school in Canterbury. The second context was to undertake a 30 hours chaplaincy placement at Darenth Valley Hospital. The time at the hospital was spent in areas such as: elderly care, cardiology, oncology, palliative care, and finally the respiratory unit (with the added bonus to see my wife busy going about her ward sisters duties). All these visits required visiting patients accompanied by: an Anglican Priest, Lay Ministers, a Roman Catholic Deacon, a Baptist Minister and a Humanist. Working with alongside this group of amazing people gave me an opportunity to experience the variety of approaches adopted by each minister, especially in extraordinary and often challenging situations. Despite the difficulties at times, I was deeply touched, surprised and privileged by the openness of people during often tough and painful points in their lives. Based on these experiences, I was required to write a 6000-word reflective portfolio to support what was learnt during this placement. The third context placement was church based. I was required to attend another church for 30 hrs. This time was spent at All Saints Frindsbury, again supervised by the incumbent. The incumbent had oversight and provided assessment based on learning outcomes. These assessed outcomes would be in: preaching, pastoral care, leading, reading and assisting with the chalice. On completion of this ministerial formation, I was required to support this with a 6000-word reflective portfolio, which was meant to be a commentary on what was learnt during this placement. In addition to residential weekends, teaching evenings, essays, and placements, there were regular meetings with my personal tutor. This provided an opportunity to review personal, academic and general progress. These areas provided a time to challenge personal attitudes and what it means to be called to ordination. Quite often this meeting reached into a deeper level, based on staff observation[s] and personal openness. No rest yet! On successful completion there are still four main steps which follow. One, an ‘exit meeting’ with the principal of St Augustine’s; two, a meeting with the Diocesan Bishop; third a retreat a few days prior to ordination and finally, a meeting with my future tutor, who will 2 supervise my academic work with Durham University during my Curacy for the next 3 years. Meanwhile the next step is Ordination to the Diaconate. This will take place at Rochester Cathedral on Saturday September 29th 2018 at 1:30pm. After my Ordination as a deacon I will be serving a curacy at St Mary the Virgin at Swanley, under the supervision of their parish priest, Fr. Dane Batley-Gladden. Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Fr James for being my ministry mentor. He had to spend hours of head scratching and writing reports for me and of course sharing his wisdom. In addition, would also like to express my thanks to all those who have supported me during my busyness, by their prayers, practical guidance, which has been a great source of encouragement over the last two years of my training. Simon Walker Parish Reader SOME EXPLANATION From the moment Simon is ordained, becoming a deacon in the Church of God, he will no longer be a Layman and so will cease to be our Parish Reader: indeed he will leave Readers ministry completely. On entering the clerical state he also automatically ceases to be a member of our P.C.C. [Church Council] because he will then officially be allocated, in diaconal ministry, to S.Mary’s Swanley and have an automatic place on their PCC. [No rest for the wicked then!! ] In ministering at Swanley S.Mary Simon will be exercising his diaconate and, God willing from next September, his priesthood, like any other Assistant Curate. His ministry will be one of a growing number of voluntary clergy called S.S.M.s. [ Self Supporting Ministers]. This means his role receives no remuneration (other than expenses of office). He will not receive a stipend (monthly payment). Some SSM’s, like Simon, will be essentially ‘full time’ while others will continue in their full time daily work in many and varied paid occupations and are therefore often limited to weekend ministry. Though no longer with us, with the permission and goodwill of his training Vicar we hope to see, on occasion, Simon exercise his diaconate, and eventually priesthood, in his ‘home parish’ the near future. 3 The Bridge Monthly Magazine of the Parish of Higham (Ss. John & Mary) with Merston WORSHIP AT S.JOHN'S PARISH CHURCH EVERY Morning Prayer ( said ) 8.45 am SUNDAY PARISH MASS ( sung ) 9.30 am with Junior Church & Very Junior Church Evening Prayer ( said ) 6.00 pm HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION: Said Mass 9.30 am & Solemn Mass 7.30 pm Solemn Evening Prayer & Benediction on Sundays - as announced. Monday 6.30 pm DAILY MORNING PRAYER THE Tuesday 7.30 pm Each day at 9 am DAILY Wednesday 9.30 am * * * * * * * * MASS Thursday 7.30 pm DAILY EVENING PRAYER TIMES Friday 9.30 am Each day at 6 pm Saturday 9.30 am ( except Tue. & Thur. at 7 pm ) PARISH The Rev'd. Canon James F. Southward The Vicarage, Hermitage Rd. PRIEST Telephone 01634-717360 Higham, Kent, ME3 7NE. E.mail [email protected] * * * * * * * * PLEASE NOTE: FATHER JAMES IS NOT NORMALLY AVAILABLE ON THURSDAY Marriages, Banns of Marriage, Baptism, Confirmation and other general enquiries: Father James is usually available, in Church, for initial enquiries about these on TUESDAYS 8.15 pm and SATURDAYS 10.30 am It is always advisable to telephone and make an appointment in each case. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession and absolution) is available on Fridays at 6.30 pm or by appointment with Fr. James Information / requests relating to funerals, ministry to the sick and dying, Holy Communion at home or in hospital should be given to Father James. In an emergency please contact him at any time or, if he is not available, the Parish Reader or a Churchwarden (details below). PARISH READER Mr Simon Walker 11 S.John’s Road, Higham * Tel: 07794-523179 THE Mrs Teresa Joblin 10 Telegraph Hill, Higham Tel: 01474-823186 CHURCHWARDENS Mrs Helen Walker 11 S.John’s Road, Higham * Tel: 01474-396569 CHURCH HALL MANAGER - Mrs Julie Healey - * Tel: 01474-822008 * Evening calls only on these numbers please 4 August 2018 at S.John's, Higham Calendar and Mass Intentions MASS ) SUNDAYS: WEEKDAYS: Mon. 6.30pm; Tu. & Th., 7.30pm; TIMES ) Sung Mass 9.30am Wed, Fri. & Sat. 9.30am EXCEPT: Bank Holiday Monday 10am DAY DATE CELEBRATION INTENTION Wed 1st S.Alphonsus Liguori Bishop-teacher (m) Preaching/Teaching Orders Th. 2nd Feria Ord. Week 17 New converts/believers Fri 3rd Feria Mass of the Sacred Heart (v) Volunteer carers Sat 4th S.John Vianney Priest (m) Parish Priests SUN 5th 18TH ORDINARY SUNDAY (+) THE PARISH Mon 6th Transfiguration of the Lord (f) Peace in areas of war Tue 7th Feria Ord.