Where to start
The best place to start is with an initial conversation with your priest or local church leader, who may then refer you to the diocesan vocations team. Discernment is usually a process that unfolds over time through a series of conversations and prayerful reflection.
These conversations are an opportunity to explore your sense of calling, your life and faith, your understanding of ordained ministry, and the qualities the Church looks for in candidates for ordination.
This is not simply a series of assessments. It is a supported and formational time of prayer, reflection, learning, and honest conversation. Your DDO may suggest reading, written reflection, placements, conversations, or other experiences to help broaden your understanding of ministry and the life of the Church.
National Stage 1 Panel
When you and your DDO agree you are ready, your diocese will invite you to attend a Stage 1: Carousel Conversations panel. These focus primarily on what you know and what you can do.
The Stage 1 Panel is usually held online and consists of six 15–20 minute conversations with Bishops’ Advisers, taking place over a morning/afternoon or afternoon/evening. The day is framed by shared worship and prayer.
The conversations cover a range of topics (shown in the graphic below) and use different prompts to begin discussion, including images, objects, videos, news stories, and hymns or music. You will not be asked to produce any written work during this stage, although your DDO may invite you to complete preparatory work beforehand.
At the end of the Stage 1 Panel, feedback is offered to your bishop and DDO team to help discern whether proceeding to the next stage of the Shared Discernment Process is appropriate.
National Stage 2 Panel
Stage 2 Discernment Panels are held at venues across the country and take place over two days, either residential or non-residential. You must have completed Stage 1 before attending a Stage 2 Panel.
Stage 2 includes two in-depth interviews (each with a pair of Bishops’ Advisers) and a group exercise, where candidates work together on a ministry-related scenario; this also includes a short written reflection. The process is framed by shared worship and prayer.
At this stage, elements of the Qualities for Discernment that relate to who you are and your capacity for growth are explored in more depth. The panel typically runs from 12 noon on Day 1 to late afternoon on Day 2, with all meals provided, and your diocesan team will explain the details in advance.
At the end of Stage 2, a report is shared with you, your bishop and your diocesan team, offering guidance about whether to proceed to ordination training.
