Dictionary

Words on this page

Deacon

‘Deacon’ comes the Greek word for ‘servant’. Deacons in the Church in Wales have special roles within worship such as proclaiming the gospel. Traditionally, deacons have had responsibility for social care. Deacons often go on to be ordained priest.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Home Pobl Dewi: September 2024 A new way of Discernment

A new way of Discernment

The Diocese of St Davids offers more help than any other in Wales for those trying to follow the call of God in their lives. But the way it happens is changing. Director of Ministry Rhiannon Johnson explains how…and why.

The Fellowship of Vocation, which no other Diocese has, is the first step for anyone who feels a calling, even if they are not sure what that may be. We have a network of Vocations Advisors who help those whose believe their vocation might be as a Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) or to the Ordained Ministry as a Deacon or a Priest. Then there is our Director of Ordinands (DDO), Canon Leigh Richardson, and our teams of Provincial and Diocesan Discerners as well as the parish clergy and Spiritual Directors who support individuals through the discernment process.

From September 2024, the way they go about it is changing. A new pattern will be available that will become the norm from September 2025.

Previously, candidates for ordained ministry came to a Diocesan Panel and, if that panel deemed them ready, went on to Provincial Discernment. As the panels concentrated on candidates’ character, there was little chance for them to prepare or to show what they are capable of. They often received recommendations of ‘not yet’ because their candidacy was weak in one area or another and many went away feeling that they had not been asked the right questions. The Diocesan panel also had to guess, sometimes, how a Provincial panel would react.

In the new pattern, a candidate has an online set of ‘Carousel Conversations’ with the provincial panellists, all very practical, some of which they can prepare in advance and show what their capabilities are. The report of these conversations will show where a candidacy is strong and weak and give suggestions for what will need to be addressed before the main Provincial panel.

The DDO and team will then work with the candidate, giving them opportunities to round out their candidacy and get ready for that panel. There will still be a diocesan level of Discernment to check that the candidate will be able to serve here but also as a rehearsal for the Provincial.

We hope that we can make these changes work well to equip the people God calls into his service as Readers, Deacons and Priests.

Video presentations about the changes can be found on the diocesan YouTube channel.