Dear Friends,
It is with great joy and excitement that I inform you that we have
reformed and reinvigorated the Diaconal Formation program in the Diocese
of Connecticut and are inviting people to explore the question of
discernment to the diaconate in Connecticut under our new process.
The Deacon Formation Task Force and the Deacon'sCouncil have worked
faithfully for the past year looking at new and empowering models for
this significant ministry. We believe we are offering a strong program
for diaconal formation in Connecticut at this time. Our goal is to offer
formation for deacons which will help form and shape leaders in God's
mission. The deacon is called to empower others for ministry, helping
all of us to broaden our understanding of how we are called to join
God's Mission in the communitieswhere our parishes are located and
beyond. Empowering others to work collaboratively with other
congregations, local social service agencies and other ministry partners
in our local contexts will be a significant part of the ministry of the
diaconate as we move forward into the 21st century.
If you are interested in exploring the diaconate, I invite you to meet
with your rector to discuss the possibilities of this call. If your
rector and you both feel it is time to move forward in discernment,
please be in touch with Julie Burnep and set up a time for both of you to meet with me. After we meet, I
will put you in touch with a member of Committee I-D, the diaconal
committee on discernment, who will meet with you and the discernment
committee put together by your rector
to outline the process that is to take place in your home parish as a
next step in your journey. You can find the materials for the
discernment guide on our website at http://www.ctepiscopal.org/images/customer-files//DiaconateDiscernmentManual2012.pdf.
On the website you will also find an outline of the new formation process. The link for this is http://www.ctepiscopal.org/images/customer-files//DeaconFormationBrochure2012.pdf. Please
note the flexibility and diversity of options for formation. We believe
this will make the diaconate more available to a wide range of people.
This formation process will officially begin in September of 2012. In
the first year of this new process, we will have rolling admissions, so
please start your discernment groups when you feel the Spirit is calling
you and do not feel rushed to finish by September. The dates in the
discernment manual will not apply during the 2012-2013 year.
Please be in touch with me via email if you have any questions. I may refer your question to one of the
members of the Deacon's Council or the Task Force, but you will hear
back from someone regarding your inquiry.
Blessings and peace,
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Laura J. Ahrens
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