Thursday, April 25, 2019

The Commission

So who are you?

Happy Easter!  We made it through lent and here we are.  It's been a couple of weeks since I posted, but here is the next edition to the series of "How did we get here?!?"

In the Arkansas diocese, one of the last things that happen before postulancy is granted is a meeting with the Commission on Ministry.  This commission is comprised of both lay and clergy and they are tasked with interviewing potential candidates for Holy Orders. For me, most of them I knew of but did not know personally so it was slightly unnerving. What would they ask? How would I respond? I spent weeks going over in my head things I thought they might want to know or they might ask.  However, if I have learned anything during this process is that you should always expect the unexpected.  You never know where the Holy Spirit is going to lead.

I had a fantastic group with me that day that included my husband, my current priest and the priest that I had worked with for the past two years.  Even though I was surrounded by my group, I was still nervous.

Who are you?  That's what they wanted to know.  We talked about my call, my marriage and my experience at St. Mark's.  It was a really straight forward conversation, no trick questions.  Everyone there was there because they cared about me and the Church.  It didn't feel antagonistic or like an interrogation.

My advice is this:
1. You probably will feel nervous.  Embrace it.
2. Don't be afraid of saying I don't know or I hadn't thought about that.  I did a couple of times and followed up with a quick "this is my knee jerk reaction" response.
3. Be open and honest.

Next week seminary preparation!


Shameless Fundraiser Plug:
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https://www.gofundme.com/agre8y-seminary&rcid=r01-155622431019-a3137f400cef4db9&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w 

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