When I was asked to do a reading last month at a special ordination ceremony for three new priests and a deacon, I had a rather unexpected experience. Beyond being moved by the beautiful ceremony, the golden chalice, the bishop’s crimson robe and the sincerity of the priests entering into a sacred responsibility, I had an epiphany of sorts about the meaning of vocation.

As I observed the ordination, I found myself wondering what the future of the priesthood would be. With numbers declining and churches facing financial challenges, would priests soon have to work two jobs? And as I repeated the traditional call and response with the congregation, offering to support and honour the newly ordained, I wondered about my own work in the world. In our own ways, aren’t we all called to express the sacred in our work, whatever that may be? And as Christians, was our “work” limited to a narrow definition of a “career” or was it more about allowing ourselves to be vessels for the Holy Spirit in whatever we do?

Now, I’m a writer by trade, and a researcher and PhD candidate. I’m also a trained singer. And I love to cook. Lately, I’ve been spending a bit too much time in front of a........

© Anglican Journal