Diocese of Chichester

The event was hosted by the Diocese of Chichester in St Nicholas Church, Brighton, to help people from all traditions consider the privilege and demands of a calling to ordained ministry and to hear about the different contexts in which to serve.

Clergy were there to share their insights and experience. Rev Canon Rebecca Swyer spoke on wellbeing for clergy and their households and Rev Michael Turnbull spoke about hospital chaplaincy.

The audience also heard from Martha Mutikani, a self-supporting parish priest, Charlotte Dobson, a newly ordained priest, and Robert Norbury, an experienced parish priest. Those attending shared the Eucharist together and had lunch, where there was the opportunity to meet others in discernment and ask questions.

The event coincided with Vocations Sunday on April 21, an annual event intended to encourage individuals to consider what God might be calling them to.

The day was led by Father Robert Norbury, deputy diocesan director of ordinands, who said: “A vocation day was held at St Nicholas of Myra in Brighton for those exploring a possible calling to ordained ministry. Appropriately this was the day before Good Shepherd Sunday which has long been set apart by the Church as a particular time to pray for vocations and it was good to see nearly 30 people from across the diocese and from a breadth of ages, backgrounds and traditions attend. It was encouraging to see how people were clearly engaged and encouraged by the talks.”

Michelle Jordan, who attended from St John’s Crawley, said: "I had a fantastic time at a vocations day. A range of speakers shared their journeys and offered personal advice based on their experiences. I've been grappling with the idea of balancing family life and ordination training but hearing about various paths and possibilities was incredibly reassuring. The friendly atmosphere and meeting others in a similar position to me made the experience even more enjoyable."

Claire Withams, (left) from Holy Cross, Woodingdean, Brighton, also found it encouraging. She said: “I found all the speakers realistic and positive and they gave reassuring insights into different areas of ordained ministry.

“I left having made good connections with others and feeling excited about the next steps of the journey as I respond to God’s call.

“It felt like the day came at exactly the right time and I am grateful for everyone who organised it, it has been so helpful.”

Video stories of those recently ordained can be watched here