Starting training for ordination in the CofE

[MrsTulip]

As promised new thread now based on training over the next three years.

Well done MrsTulip.
Do you get " Deaconed" now?

I'm doing a BA (over 3 years full time) as part of my training so I will be deaconed in June 2027 (which sounds ages away but if anything like this year it will fly!) and priested in June 2028

I'm glad it's going quickly- must mean you're enjoying it!

There has been times when it's been tough going but I'm enjoying it especially the placements.

I'm so interested in your experience as DD gears up to start in September. ( She's doing a 2 year course)

What's been the hardest and best things for you? And do you have family? If so, how are they best supporting you?

The hardest thing was getting back into the flow of studying as I hadn't done any formal study for 22 years when I started.
The best thing has been my formation group -throwing a very diverse group of people together and becoming good friends and supporting each other. Also my placement supervisor is amazing.
I have a DS age 11 (last year of primary) and a DH they both support by doing more than their fair share around the house. My side of the family and DHs side have helped with childcare when I'm at college or on residential weekends.

So I have continued with running the Rainbow Guide group at my sending church as I still live in the parish and we sometimes have the curate Revd M come to help us out (she's brilliant with the girls). One of the Rainbows then said to me Tulip (that's my leader name) when you are a vicar like Revd M will we have to call you Revd Tulip?
Hmm not sure about that one.

So back in my usual contextual placement this morning after being away for my short alternative placement. Was good to be back.

So it's now head down and cracking on with assignment writing as have 5 all due in at the beginning of September.
Looking forward to seeing everyone from my formation group when we go for a day at the beach in a couple of weeks time.

Five seems like a lot!
Are they theological, pastoral, practical or a mixture?

There's a mix one is a theological reflection on recent ethical issue from placement.
2 are exergies, 1 is an essay on conflict and one is an essay on hope in the creeds.

I wouldn't know where to start....good luck! I hope you're finding the course interesting and useful.

Yes the course is interesting and useful. Particularly enjoyed modules on Christian discipleship (with a focus on ethics) and the module around worship and liturgy this year. Next year (25/26) I'm looking forward to the sacramental theology and the interfaith modules

So back to lectures today after summer. Assignment results due early/mid October. Here's to another year of formation.
@FuzzyPuffling when does your daughter start training?

She started last week! Thank you for remembering.

When do you get Deaconed?

I have been praying for her, hope she thrives as an ordinand.
I will be deaconed Petertide 2027 so roughly 22 months to go -eek!

Thank you. She says her cohort seem very nice and supportive, and hopes she can remember how to write essays! She's doing the 2 year course.

I bet that time will go really quickly- we're almost in 2026 already, and then it will be next year! Blessings.

Until going into a small chapel adjacent to a Sussex farm a few years ago (the kind with a service once a year to retain it as licensed for worship, I had never heard of Petertide. Coombes in case anyone knows it.

Sorry to jump on here again but wanted to ask if someone could message me to let me know what the Panel one carousel conversation report looks like? Is there one overall rating or does each interviewer do their own rating and paragraph of feedback? Thank you 😊

I got a score out of 7 for each quality (in pretty petrol pump format) plus a paragraph for each one. And a brief overall statement at the end.

Thank you for your reply 😊 and what does each category say?
They did say this yesterday but I was so tired I didn't really take it in....

As in the categories for the petrol gauge style thing, 🙂

Ah don't worry, It is strangely exhausting spending a whole day in little 15 minute online interviews. I was totally wiped after mine.

The categories are:
-Priesthood/diaconate
-Church of England
-Communicating Christian Faith
-Practical and Pastoral Care
-Living as a Disciple
-Engaging with the World

Each paragraph described what I'd said and related that to the quality they were considering, plus any recommendations for future reflection/work before Stage 2. My understanding is that Stage 1 is not a gateway that you have to pass to move forward but an advisory stage as candidates prepare for Stage 2. So I found it pretty affirming, but yes so tiring.

They sent out the report promptly when they said they would, but it will go to your DDO/ADDO first, who will review it and then release it to you - at least that's what my Diocese does.

All the best.

Thank you 😊
Ah yes I meant the petrol gauge categories, is it rated red as rubbish and green as pass? 😂

Thanks for your help and sorry to hijack this thread, I actually don't know anyone else who has done this since they put stage one in.

I also went through stage one and I will agree it doesn't sound like much as each conversation is short but it is so tiring, especially as each conversation is with a different interviewer and they all want to get to know you. Not so much fail or pass more to see shat areas might need building up before stage two.