Addressing Challenges in Clergy Formation for Vocations

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This presentation discusses the prevailing situation of vacant leadership positions, lack of seminarians, and strategies to promote vocations within the Diocese. It also outlines critical reflections, diocesan provisions for clergy formation, and suggests a strategic focus on training acolytes for ordained ministry.

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Vocations Vocations Diocesan Challenge Presentation to Synod 2023

Reflection on Prevailing Situation There are over 20 Cures currently vacant in terms of fulltime leadership even as some have lost or are losing their definition and viability as a Cure. There are no seminarians at the UTC There are some nine persons who are actively pursuing the course of preparation in the Supplementary Ministry Training Programme

There is a lack of communal promotion of vocations, including less emphasis on prayer for vocations

Strategies Early Strategies The Gibson Era The Post Gibson Era The Current Era The Dearth of Candidates for Ordained Ministry

Critical Reflection What are the contributing factors to the current situation? What responsibility or contribution can we undertake toward reversing the prevailing situation?

Diocesan provisions for clergy formation for fulltime engagement Full scholarship for training degree acquired, no Student s Loan obligations, 5 years of service obligation Example of actual costs for an individual clergy e.g. furnished accommodation with utilities, Health Insurance, Non-contributory pension scheme, Motor car loan facility, travelling, etc.

Toward a Positive Strategic Orientation and Focus Observe the Ember Days as days of prayer for ordained and Lay vocations Clergy need to be more intentional in the presentation of ordained ministry as a call of God in Jesus Christ to the service of humanity. Begin the awakening of ministry interest and discernment with children as acolytes

Train and help acolytes to appreciate what they do as ministry. Utilize the training opportunities available across the Diocese. Expose acolytes and young people to ministry beyond their congregational context with due attention to safeguarding regulations. Engage youth at the age when vocational choices are being exercised through the choices of courses to be pursued for CXC and CAPE.

Make a financial investment in youth and adults with potential through such things as Camps and Retreats. Raise up before the congregation from time to time the options that are available for Supplementary or Fulltime Ministry, Church Army or Lay Readers. Sensitize those who may express an interest in the path to ministry and the diocesan provision.

Engage young and middle age adults who seem disaffected with their current vocational path and career options and who may be looking for something more fulfilling and meaningful to do with their life. Assign ministry related activities to those identified as possible prospects. Actively identify and engage potential Lay Readers and Clergy

An Extra-Diocesan Option Enlist Seminarians from Africa where there are aspiring postulants without the financial resource of the dioceses to accept them Fund their training Commitment to 5 years of service to the diocese

The Call to Bishops, Priests and Laity Pray for vocations Practice the call to holiness of living Increase the number of servers at the altar Enable purpose and fulfillment in careers Practice models of behavior which inspire others to respond to the call of God

Diocesan Prayer for Vocations Diocesan Prayer for Vocations O God our Father, in every generation you have called men and women to serve in your Church as priests, deacons, commissioned and licensed church workers, and Lay Readers. Be with those whom you are calling as they seek to discern your call. Touch our hearts so that we may offer them the support they need on the path of discernment. Raise up, we pray, devoted men and women who will be good and faithful pastors and leaders and be to us examples of godly living, and guide your people to the fullness of life.

Send us, we pray, men and women who are generous in their service, willing to offer their lives and all their gifts for your greater glory and for the good of your people. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Adapted)

References References https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/r oman-observer/vocations- shortage-has-become-acute-crisis https://www.thetablet.co.uk/new s/13266/irish-church-in-vocations- crisis-

References References https://www.northpres.org.nz/wp- content/uploads/2022/02/20220212RvDrTJosephMissedC allsFullReport.pdf https://www.evangelizationstation.com/Pamphlets/085% 20Crisis%20in%20Vocations.pdf https://www.pillarcatholic.com/priestly-ordinations-fall- for-3rd-year-in-england-and-wales/

References https://covenant.livingchurch.org/2017/08/11/the-future- of-the-episcopal-churchs-clergy/ https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2023/02/09/vocational- discernment-and-the-priestly-vocation- crisis/?utm_source=The+Catholic+Thing+Daily&utm_cam paign=cdd5c78d1b- EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_07_01_02_COPY_01&utm_me dium=email&utm_term=0_769a14e16a-cdd5c78d1b- 244404864&mc_cid=cdd5c78d1b&mc_eid=1906af7d51