Called to Serve - a Pastoral Worker's story
Called to Serve is an event held annually in our diocese. It can lead to personal transformation in those who experience it - and to a great dedication to serving God.
The next session will be held at Hartford in the new year - details at the end. Here Kirsty Allan (pictured) tells how her involvement led to her becoming a PASTORAL WORKER ...
The session I attended at Chester Cathedral back in 2010 certainly helped me to discern what it was that God was calling me to.
Having been stirred by God, but not recognising that as Him, I had been encouraged to go on the Foundation for Ministry course which had given me the tools and language to articulate a sense of calling.
Later, the Called to Serve day informed me of how I could exercise this sense of calling further. It was a time of contemplation and questioning. Several things struck a chord with me that day and I had a sense of God giving me a prod in the right direction.
The day began with coffee then a Reader and a Pastoral Worker spoke on their experiences of lay ministry and training. The Diocesan Director or Ordinands talked about the ordination path, both the discernment process and training.
We also had a talk from a member of the Church Army, although I believe last year there was also a monk who spoke about the religious life. Hearing first hand about the different ministries and training routes from people who had done them was enlightening and made things seem achievable and more real.
After more coffee we then went in to small groups and could ask questions of those with recent training experience.
I would very much recommend Called to Serve to anyone who has a sense of calling or feels stirred in any way to serve God. It helped me to become a Pastoral Worker; I got my licence on 29 September 2012. I’d also like to thank all those who have nurtured and encouraged me so far, including those who spoke in 2010 at Called to Serve.
Seeds were definitely planted that day and I’m now realising their fruit with the help of God. What an honour and a pleasure that is.
Kirsty Allan, Pastoral Worker –Timperley parish
NOTE: The next Called to Serve is at St John’s parish centre in Hartford on Saturday 26 January 2013. For more information phone the DDO’s office on 01244 346945 or click Called
Posted on - 17/10/2012