Is God calling me to be a vicar?
Priests are called to lead God’s people in the offering of praise and the proclamation of the Gospel. To sustain the community of the faithful by the ministry of word and sacrament, that we may all grow into the likeness of Christ. What does it mean to be a Vicar?Being a vicar, means that you have been called by God, and affirmed by the church to ordained ministry, working with your bishop and fellow clergy to lead a worshipping community in strategic mission and ministry in a particular parish or benefice. Who can be a Vicar?If you are someone:
This may be the calling for you to explore. National Criteria for Ordained Ministry
What can it be in reality?For me, parochial ministry, is an adventure with God in the company of these two different parishes. Discovering God already at work in so many different places outside and inside the churches is exciting. Seeing peoples faith grow and watching the ways their response to God has let them step outside of their previous faith is a real joy.
What’s involved in becoming a Vicar?DiscernmentWorking out your calling is about listening attentively to God and reflecting with others. If you feel called to this ministry you will be accompanied on your discernment journey by one of the team of Assistant Diocesan Directors of Ordinands (ADDO’s). With them you will explore the national criteria for ordained ministry before attending a Bishop’s Advisory Panel where a decision will be made about whether your calling is realistic, informed and obedient. This is followed by a curacy. This may be in Bath & Wells or another diocese in the Church of England. Ordinands, and their families, must be prepared to move to the appropriate context. All stipendiary ordinands must be nationally deployable. TrainingOrdinands train on one of the Common Awards approved pathways at a recognised Theological Educational Institution (TEI). This training may take place over two or three years and could be Residential, MixedMode and Part time Regional courses. The DDO will work with the candidate to decide the most appropriate pathway depending on prior learning, perceived need, personal circumstances and Funding guidelines. Being a Vicar
Who to contactIf you would like to find out about becoming a Vicar, please contact: Sue Rose, Vocations Team Leader Rosalind Miles, Administrator for Vocations |