- Nov 1, 2003
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Since there are several people here at STR that are discerning a call to Holy Orders, or lay ministries, I've decided to create a St. LAwrence Lounge.
Ordained. It's something I've been running from for years - and I'm finally facing up to it. I've felt a tug towards the priesthood since I was in 3rd or 4th grade, and the tugging just keeps getting stronger and more clear. (I'll be glad to go into a bit more detail if anyone is interested, once things settle down a bit.)benedictine said:Just wondering, Ave Maria, are you considering an ordained ministry, or a lay ministry?
I've known a couple worker-priests. They carry a lot of credibility, because of their experience in the "real world".Wigglesworth said:How common is it in the various Anglican and Old Catholic traditions to be a bi-vocational priest or deacon? In other words, how many priests have a secular job in addition to their priesthood?
It's not uncommon for nonCatholic ministers in smaller churches to have jobs outside the church.
LOL...benedictine said:I guess I'll start a conversation.
Hey, Fr. Rick, when did you decide to become a priest?
Most Old Catholic clergy here in the US are bi-vocational, since OC's are a small group. Many Anglicans (including smaller ECUSA parishes) and Orthodox are also bi-vocational.Wigglesworth said:How common is it in the various Anglican and Old Catholic traditions to be a bi-vocational priest or deacon? In other words, how many priests have a secular job in addition to their priesthood?
It's not uncommon for nonCatholic ministers in smaller churches to have jobs outside the church.
Would it be a bad idea for me to go straight from College to Seminary,and when do you think I should begin the formal discernment process?(I ask the second becouse I am pretty much sure that I want to go into the priesthood. I do have an idea, and that is to stop along the way, and serve as a Deacon and Youth Minister/Christian Ed. Director for a little bit.)Father Rick said:I hope this helps some. I know my process is a little different since I was a protestant minister who 'converted', but I will be glad to give any info/advice I have.
Blessings!
Well, you will (almost) always serve as a deacon before you are a priest. There are 2 types of deacons-- permanent deacons and transitional deacons. Transitional deacons are those who are on their way to the priesthood (it's kind of like an apprenticeship).benedictine said:Would it be a bad idea for me to go straight from College to Seminary,and when do you think I should begin the formal discernment process?(I ask the second becouse I am pretty much sure that I want to go into the priesthood. I do have an idea, and that is to stop along the way, and serve as a Deacon and Youth Minister/Christian Ed. Director for a little bit.)
Well, right now, I'm an Acolyte, Chalice bearer, and trained but not serving as a lector, as well as the youngest, and only male on the Children's Ministry Committiee.Father Rick said:Well, you will (almost) always serve as a deacon before you are a priest. There are 2 types of deacons-- permanent deacons and transitional deacons. Transitional deacons are those who are on their way to the priesthood (it's kind of like an apprenticeship).
There are pro's and con's to both going from college straight to seminary and to taking a couple of years off for 'real world' experience. Both methods are equally valid, it just depends on God's call for your life. For many people, if you stop after college you won't continue with additional education. Be aware it is more difficult to go back to school after you are accustomed to living at a certain income level--especially if you 'acquire' a wife and kids in the meantime.
My biggest piece of advice to you... or anyone else who may be sensing a pull to ministry... is to be as active as you can with whatever ministries you find available. Youth Ministry, Sunday School, feeding the poor... whatever... as you try different things, you will find that certain areas of ministry are a better 'fit' for you than others. It will help you with your own discernment process (meaning you finding yourself), as well as provide invaluable experience later if you are the rector of a congregation and have to oversee all these different areas.