Welcome to the webpage for the Armagh Diocesan Fellowship of Vocation. There are many reasons why you might have arrived here. Perhaps you have been casually surfing through the diocesan website and stumbled upon this page. Perhaps a still small voice within you prompted you to search for information about ministry and vocation.
If you think you might be hearing a call to ordained ministry, then you are not alone. Many have heard that call and responded. They have been students, teachers, builders, police officers, teenagers, retirees, civil servants, mechanics, mothers, fathers, computer operators… the list could be endless.
You will already have prayed about the questions that are in your heart. The next step is to share your thoughts with others. This could mean talking to a trusted friend or someone in your church. Your rector will help you through some of your queries and refer you to the Diocesan Fellowship of Vocation.
This group meets 3-4 times each year, giving you the opportunity to meet with others on the same path. You will be helped, through support and information, to explore the possibilities that may lie ahead for you.
When you are ready to take another step, you will be required to undertake the “Foundation Course”. This is a 13-month course of study beginning each April. It involves home study and “distance learning” whilst you continue to live and work at home. As you approach the end of the course, you will meet with the Archbishop who may recommend that you attend a selection conference. This will involve further interviews and discussions and the panel will decide whether or not you are to pursue the road to ordination. That road will involve two residential years at the Theological Institute and one year as an intern in a parish setting. (All this may also be undertaken part-time at home but will take twice as long)
Throughout this journey, you will be supported by the Diocesan Director of Ordinands. It is an exciting and challenging voyage to which you may be called. In the Fellowship of Vocation, you will find support and guidance as you seek the will of God for you.
Father,
I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you
with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.
Charles de Foucald
PRAY – SHARE -EXPLORE-TEST – SUBMIT
For further information contact -
Canon Bill Adair (Diocesan Director of Ordinands) Tel: (028) 3833 2746
E-mail : billadair77@btinternet.com