The Commission on Ministry of the Diocese of Oklahoma will host its third "Vocation Gathering" on February 23, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (Zoom Meeting).
Dear Rectors/Priests-in-Charge/Vicars /Senior Wardens,
The Commission on Ministry of the Diocese of Oklahoma will host its third "Vocation Gathering" on February 23, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (Zoom Meeting).
The Vocation Gathering will provide an overview of the discernment process for Holy Orders in the Diocese of Oklahoma, as well as the process requirements for Aspirants, Congregations, and Clergy Sponsors. Spouses and sponsoring priests (Rectors/Priests-in-Charge/Vicars) are requested to attend. As we prepare for this event, I ask each congregation to support those who may be discerning a call to ordained ministry. I invite you to:
Share the attached Vocation Gathering insert with your congregation in your bulletin, newsletter, or other communications methods.
For the days leading up to the Vocation Gathering, please include in the Prayers of the People, the following petition: We pray that the Holy Spirit will raise up faithful priests and deacons to serve God, the Church, and the vulnerable in our world.
Clergy, please share this letter and bulletin insert with interested persons in your congregation, who may be discerning a call to ordained ministry. Invite them to have a conversation with you about ordained ministry. Ask them to register for the gathering and please join them on 2/23/23.
register here
In preparation for the gathering, please ask interested parishioners to come prepared to ask questions about the discernment process and ordained ministry.
Here are sample questions to consider:
What are the joys and realities of ordained ministry?
What is the difference between a priest and deacon?
What is the discernment process and am I guaranteed to be ordained?
Why is this vocation a calling and not merely a job?
What is a week in the life of a clergy person like?
What is this vocation like for my spouse/partner and family?
What about Diaconal, Priestly (Bi-Vocational), and Priestly (Full time) deployments?
Interested persons, their spouse/partner, and sponsoring priest should register no later than 2/22/23. If you have any questions, please contact The Rev. David Bumsted, Commission on Ministry Chair, at dbumsted@sjtulsa.org. Questions regarding registration, please contact Judith Rodriguez, Executive Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary at 405-416-5562 or jrodriguez@epiok.org.
Regards,
The Rt. Rev. Poulson C. Reed, Bishop
Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma