VOCATIONS

All who follow Jesus Christ are called to serve him in their daily lives; this is at the heart of Christian discipleship, as each person grows into his or her unique vocation to become the person the God is fashioning. Many people fulfil their vocation through the work that they do, whether in caring for family or friends, or through voluntary or paid employment in the secular world (particularly in teaching and in the caring professions). From time to time, people become aware of a particular call with increased intensity and feel it would be helpful to discuss this with somebody as they seek the way forward.

In such instances, a person may begin their explorations through talking to friends and family and then seek the wisdom of his or her spiritual guide or parish priest. He or she may in turn feel that it would be beneficial for the person to talk to somebody whose particular role is to help people discern their vocation and to suggest possible ways forward.

Since 2004, the Diocese has had a Vocations Team made up of lay and ordained men and women of various backgrounds, experience and church tradition who have been trained to support and work with those at the early stages of discerning a vocation to authorised or licensed ministry. The Team is led by a Senior Vocations Adviser who works under the direction of the Director of Ministry and Vocation. Vocations Advisers are appointed by the Bishop and are equipped to discern and to give information about a range of vocational training and opportunities. As well as selection and training for ordination, they assist people
to explore opportunities for lay ministry, full and part-time. These include:

• Licensed Lay Ministry (Reader Ministry)
• Authorised Lay Ministry
• The Church Army
• Religious communities

As well as working one-to-one, the members of the Vocations Team are available to support parishes through the setting up of Vocations Groups, through speaking in deaneries and parishes, and through a range of Diocesan events.

For further information, please see the Vocations pages of the Diocesan website at http://ely.anglican.org/ministry/vocation_ministry or contact the Director of Ministry and Vocation.