Diocese of Chichester

Keir Shreeves, our Diocesan Director of Ordinands, reflects, “We delight in these stories of those called by God to ordained ministry. Ordained people represent God's call to all humanity.

As we approach the Fourth Sunday of Easter, often celebrated as Vocations Sunday or Good Shepherd Sunday, we are reminded of our duty to engage in meaningful dialogue about vocation and to lift-up those discerning their path in prayer.

The Church teaches that all are called to serve God according to their unique gifts and talents. While some are called to ordained ministry, every faithful disciple is entrusted with a distinct mission. These stories offer glimpses into the diverse ways God calls us to serve.

If you sense God’s call to ordained ministry, we hope these stories serve to encourage and inspire conversations.

Week 1: Join us as we journey with Fr. Thomas Cotterill, a stipendiary Assistant Curate at St. Bartholomew’s and St. Paul’s, Brighton, as he shares his path to priesthood. Watch it here. You can download this video by clicking the link here

Week 2: Hear the inspiring story of Rev. Emily Roe, a stipendiary Assistant Curate at St. Peter’s Church in Brighton, whose journey from drug addiction and homelessness led her to ordained ministry. Listen here

Week 3: Carole Darling, Ordinand in training at Trinity Lewes, shares her remarkable journey from serving as a policewoman to answering God’s call to self-supporting ordained ministry, following work as a missionary in Nepal. Coming soon

Week 4: We are privileged to learn from Rev. Dave Green, a self-supporting Assistant Curate at St. Wilfrid’s in Bognor, and a dedicated prison chaplain, as he reflects on his journey toward priestly ordination. Coming soon

Week 5: Join us as Rev. Levison Kandi, a self-supporting Assistant Curate at St. Andrew’s Moulsecoomb, shares his own vocational journey, a testament to God’s guiding hand. Coming soon

The Diocesan Ordained Ministry Vocations Day is on April 20^th and is a day for anyone who is wondering whether God might be calling them to ordained ministry in the Church of England. It takes place at St. Nicholas' Church, Brighton from 10.30 am to 15.30pm. Find out more and book here

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” John 15:16

NOTES: The Church of England offers various resources to celebrate and cultivate vocations within worshipping communities. Explore them here