Deacons are vital and valued in the Diocese of New Westminster, which worked hard in the latter part of the 20th century to restore the diaconate as a distinct, permanent order. Today, ordained deacons serve throughout the whole of the Diocese, bringing a variety of skills, gifts and passions to their parishes and their ministries in the world.
Potential deacons and priests undergo a discernment process that helps to clarify if they are called to ordained ministry. This is a rich and rewarding journey that is supported by people who help the candidate discern the path for which they are best suited. A short description of this process can be found on page 9 of the Deacons Handbook.
While the roles of deacons and priests are different, the qualities required for ordination are the same. The Diocese seeks to ordain people who are:
- Gatherers and builders of community
- Rooted in Christ-centred spiritual practice that is Anglican in approach
- Emotionally and relationally mature
- Able to offer strong leadership and to work collegially under the authority of others
- Good listeners and lifelong learners
- Good stewards of their body, mind and spirit, and of the other relationships in their lives
All these qualities are called upon to enable deacons and other clergy to live up to the expectations enunciated in this formal listing of Clergy Commitments.
Prior to ordination, those in discernment also undertake educational formation. We are pleased to have as leaders in this endeavour the Vancouver School of Theology, which offers the excellent Anglican Diploma in Diaconal Studies (ADDS).
People may feel called to ordained diaconal ministry when they are young adults, in mid-life, or getting closer to retirement. It is our hope to ordain deacons from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences; if there is a practical matter that is causing you to hesitate on embarking on a formal discernment journey, please be in touch with the Ven. Peggy Trendell-Jensen, Archdeacon for Deacons, who may be able to offer some guidance or accommodation.