Journey to the Diaconate - October 2023 Update

A warm welcome to many new folks who might be wondering what this journey is all about. For those, here’s a quick recap: 

In early 2023, I formally started the discernment process to become a Deacon in the Episcopal Church. While the formal process kicked off this year, being a Deacon is something I’ve been discerning both personally and in community for several years. 

A Parish Discernment Committee (PDC) was formed in the spring and both the PDC and the Vestry of Christ Church Charlotte agreed to move me forward to discernment at the diocesan level. 

Now that everyone is caught up, here’s the latest: 

This fall, I became a Deacon Intern assigned at St Martin’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte. This requires leaving Christ Church (our family’s spiritual home) for the Fall. Intern is a title I haven’t carried in many years. It's a three-month experience where I’ve been encouraged to dive right in. A very warm welcome from the staff and parish has made this a wonderful experience so far. 

The internship experience is designed to provide exposure to the practical side of being a Deacon: teaching, preaching, church administration, etc. 

This week, I was a panelist during Formation speaking about discernment. During worship, I set the table for Eucharist during the Offertory for the first time - a key responsibility of the Deacon. 

Next week, I’ll preach the sermon in both services. 

Later in November, I’ll teach a two-week class on the ordination rites of Bishops, Priests, and Deacon. 

I’ll preach again on 12/17, and wrap up the experience with Christmas services finishing, officially, on Epiphany. 

Year two will focus on Clinical Pastoral Education. Year three is coursework: Old Testament, New Testament, and Church History as well as a capstone experience. Ordination, should I be so fortunate, will be in early 2026. 

As we said in our Formation talk today, this process is one of prayer and reflection. Nothing is assumed. The process is approached and held with open hands. I believe that I’m following the path, doing the work that God put me here to do, and will use this time as a way to confirm that. 

Thank you for your prayers, support, and positive energy! 

DML