These
are the newsletters from Kathy Chase, describing her experiences as
she begins her studies leading to ordination as a deacon. We are
all very proud of Kathy, for this and many other reasons, and we are
praying for her as she starts this considerable journey. Deacon Path-Newsletter 9/04.doc
Starting Sept. 10, I will be commuting to the Episcopal Center in Durham, North Carolina, to begin classes in the Deacon Formation Program. This is a two year program; classes meet six Saturdays per semester. I will spend Friday night in Durham so I can attend classes all day Saturday. This fall the classes are Theology and Pastoral Care/Theological Reflection. To prepare for these two classes has required reading five books and several written assignments. Each time we meet there will also be additional reading and writing. From email lists on the two syllabuses, there appear to be about twelve students who come from various dioceses in Virginia and in North Carolina. In the subsequent semesters, the classes will be Ethics and Church History; Old Testament and Liturgy; and New Testament and Ministry of the Deacon.
Reaching this point has been an interesting process. The congregations have played a part as they related to my family and to me. Scripture, sermons, and articles in journals and newspapers fueled my interest and my search to serve God in other ways. In November of 2002, I first discussed with our rector, Gene, the possibility of becoming a vocational deacon. He and Alan Boyce, the Deputy for Administration, put me in touch with a clergy person who was overseeing the program and process at the time. By early spring of 2003, a committee had been formed to help me in the discernment process. I was reading, asking questions, and attempting to answer questions given to me by the committee. Paperwork flowed between Gene and the Committee and the Bishop's Office. In the late summer- early fall of 2004, the Ascension Vestry forwarded their recommendation to the Bishop. During November of 2004 I met with a psychologist as required in the discernment process as outlined by the Diocese. Later that month, I met with the Bishop who sent my name on to the Commission on Ministry. At the Bishop's suggestion, I took a course on the History of Christianity at Sweet Briar in the spring of 2004. Then began a very long wait as the Commission on Ministry was involved in rewriting the processes/steps for discernment, postulancy, training, and ordination to coincide with the changes made at the national church level. In April I received an invitation to meet with the Commission on Ministry on May 21 for three hours of examination in the areas of academics, spirituality, and psychological fitness followed by lunch with the Commission members and the Evans House staff. The Commission is made up of clergy, lay people , academicians, and a psychiatrist. As many of you know, I was accepted as a postulant to the deaconate. Bishop Powell called our home that day and told Bob the decision as I had been delayed by a storm and traffic.
At times, the process has seemed unending. Yet, the process has been fruitful in what I am learning and discovering. Please continue to pray for me and for my family as we enter this new phase of the journey.
- Kathy Chase
Deacon Path-Newsletter 12/04.doc
The first semester of the Deacon Formation Program in Durham, North Carolina, has ended. My fellow students have been warm, supportive, and fascinating people; it has been wonderful to hear their stories about their callings to this ministry. The course work in Theology, Pastoral Care, and Preaching , at times, has been overwhelming, but always mind stretching. I have enjoyed the discipline of the weekly writing as well as the numerous other written assignments. The next semester will start after Epiphany, and we will be studying Church History and Ethics. Beyond the classroom experience, I will be doing some additional activities at church besides parish nursing. During services, the rector may expand my duties when I serve at the altar or he may provide opportunities for me to respond to the lessons. Thank you for your interest in this process and for your prayers for me and for my family. Kathy Chase
December 4, 2004