DDO Meeting : Monday 13th June 2011

DDO Meeting : Monday 13th June 2011

I met, yet again, with the DDO this morning. Today, seemed to me and to him, to be a consolidation meeting. The DDO, had previously indicated, that the only thing stopping my moving to the next stage, was the processing of the faculty, this is now well underway.

We took stock of everything I have done, including going over the material submitted for my Portfolio and several reflections that I submitted in response to events that have occurred in the past month.

The DDO was keen to hear about the faculty meeting with the Bishop's adviser.. We discussed how I had felt about having to go through the process, particularly its intrusive nature. I was able to now say categorically, that having come through it, that my view had changed . Despite everything, it involved, It had been handled as sensitively as possible, given the nature of things being investigated. A change of heart that seems to show me, once again, how God is still active and working in my life.

I said that I had deliberately not told my spouse of the content of the interview as I had felt that her integrity would show through. This had proven to have been the best course to have taken. He was amused by this and said that while not advisable, it had been appropriate in this case.

I was given the opportunity to look again as some of the work I had submitted, but was content with it. I believe that revising something written up to a year ago would not be a true reflection of the journey and discernment process. Leaving it untouched was the best course.

We then discussed a number of other issues, my ongoing engagement with the wider church through the internet. My work in the parish and personalities we know. I mentioned an Intercessions workshop we were to run in our Parish this week with a repeat in July and he asked could he send some people from his parish on it. I said I would inquire and let him know. I am to write a reflection on my participation in this for next month.

We then moved onto the future. He said, that subject to the faculty, I would have to see the Bishop, but he was provisionally (for the second time) booking me on to a Diocesan Panel in September 2011. Following this, he would be running a Pre-BAP preparation in October and again in December, one of which I would be booked to attend one, dependent upon which BAP I was put forward to. He stressed that all decisions were within the Bishop's gift and that I can expect to meet him again before BAP.

All in All, this was a positive outcome. Once again I felt very relaxed during the meeting, sharing jokes and appreciating that the DDO has done so much for me. Taking my case himself, working with me, at times being highly critical, but always completely constructive and encouraging.

What did I get from this meeting:

I found the meeting encouraging and affirming. My state of mind was one of curiosity about where we could go, which was more than satisfied by the outcome. I came away, literally feeling light headed and grateful to God for his work sending the Holy Spirit to facilitate such a productive meeting.

The utter joy of this meeting seems to me to be one where there were three people in the room. Clive and me, but with God central. The Holy Spirit upon us and pouring grace into it. God be praised!

_________________
Where there is hope and love there is life!

Another DDO meeting

I haven't posted here for some time, so perhaps a brief update is deserved. I have continued on the journey, working as directed by the DDO and both he and I can sense progress in terms of growth as a Christian and an expansion of my engagement with wider issues which effect the church today.

I had my 11th meeting with the DDO on Monday. The meeting was positive and went very well indeed. We seem to be at the stage of engaging much more on deeper beliefs and understanding, particularly on areas which impact on the nine criteria for Ordained ministry.

I have produced the written work requested as well as some additional reflections on things, which might have been to much, but which drew the wry comment that future meetings would need one hour for the face to face and another two hours to read the output. Very tongue in cheek.

I found myself sharing stuff, which I had thought about and reflected on. I also asked some questions about areas which I wanted more information on, particularly other roles for NSM within the diocese - not just assistant priest in a parish. I got the answer that I expected - that given my age, those roles were very restricted, but we could explore them post-curacy (if I get that far).

An observation from the DDO which pleased me was that he could see some real development and expansion from my engaging with topics about the wider church, its problems and issues and had taken the time to reflect on them. He said that some of this could be attributed to my engagement with the internet and other Christian Blogger's. It will prove useful when answering questions, if I go forward for the Diocesan Panel and National Selection.

I have been given a copy of the Bishops report on Human Sexuality, which I need to read and provide a written reflection on for next month. I have also received a copy of the full report prepared for the Anglican Communion, which might prove to be of help in this reflection.

So another step in the process, which I am now, really enjoying - this thing that comes to mind is that whatever the outcome, this has been a worthwhile journey of growth, of maturing as a Christian and an inspiration to share so much with an excellent priest, who is mentoring me in preparation to face the Diocesan Panel.

I say it a lot, But God is Really, Really, Great! :votive1:

Next Visit to the DDO

I had another DDO interview yesterday. It was different to the last in that he now has much more in terms of background having completed the paper chase and provided all of the information requested. A bit of a struggle to get Baptism and Confirmation Certificates from the RC Church, but eventually they supplied them.

It has been a busy month with much reflection on the Criteria and what I had already written and other work, which I had not anticipated being so painful, going over a life story and putting in bald facts some of the more traumatic life events which have caused pain for me and for others. A saving grace of the process was support from my Parish Priest and my Spiritual Director who have helped to show me the necessity of doing this stuff and to just allow God's will to be shown. The process is one that I cannot control but just place my trust in God.

Yesterdays interview challenged me but also allowed me some time and space to answer some questions and to make what I had written come alive and be relevant. I found it wonderful how things you take for granted in your life can be looked at with different eyes and be shown to be God at work in your life.

One thing that I can discern is that I sometimes do to much, more than asked, which is a distraction from the process of allowing things to work and to reflect on them and how they help me to develop the lay ministry which is already part of my work within the Parish. I now have a sounder idea on how and what I should be doing in this area.

Due to being so 'busy' I can take my eye of where God is guiding and nudging me towards

I found a Prayer which reflects how I feel and what I am seeking:

I sat and prayed this prayer:

Father,
I know you love me and have plans for me,
but sometimes, I am overwhelmed by the
thought of the future.
Show me how to walk forward,
One day at a time.

May I take heart while I search openly,
learn all about the choices, listen to
others for advice and pay attention to my
own feelings.

By doing these things, may I hear your call to
live a life that will let me love as only I can love,
and allow me to serve others with the
special gifts you have given me.

I ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord
Amen

I found this useful while preparing for the meeting and could be seen sitting on a bench outside Diocesan House praying it again. I feel that it just fits.

This month I have two tasks and will be praying for inspiration and I am sure that the Spirit will answer.

DDO Interview

Well, the call came a couple of days ago, and I am scheduled to see the DDO on 7th June.

This is a crucial meeting for both of us.  For me, it is a step forward in the discernment process and for him the opportunity to assess whether I have the potential to for Ordained Ministry.

I am thinking, reflecting and praying about the process and what he will want and need to know and what I will take with me.   I have made extensive notes about my journey thus far and loads about my life journey.   But I sense that much more than that is needed, and somewhere in my pack hopefully will be the Holy Spirit guiding and gently nudging us both to see what God's will might be for this journey.

I have been pretty wound up about this in the past, but at the moment, feel just calmness and anticipation - God is pulling me on this, and I am a willing follower.   I sincerely hope that our direction is forward, although my expectation is for a more convoluted route and perhaps one or two diversions before we reach our goal.

Lord, you know what you are doing - I only ask that you show us your intentions.  Amen

Pentecost with Confirmation - And DDO Interview

Yesterday I attended an  early service in Canterbury, but as I was not doing anything today in any of the Churches was prompted to come home and go along to local church.

Due to this, I attended a very affirming service with Confirmation 9 people committing their lives to Christ. The Bishop Michael Gear was very down to earth and put those being confirmed at ease. Excellent singing as well.

Combined with the Pentecost Holy Communion it made for a very powerful combination - I could virtually feel the Holy Spirit among us and my flesh was tingling all through the service.

Overreaction - Hysterics? I don't think so, I just think that everyone was uplifted and the spirit being present made for a wonderful joyful occasion.

So today, more news the DDO called to arrange an interview which is now scheduled for 7th June 2010.   I am relaxed about this, given that I have been through a lot in preparation and God seems to be guiding me on this path.  Discernment will be the key and the DDO is central to that.

The Holy Spirit working hard and I feel its each day.  God is Great.