If you are accepted by the Diocese of Perth as a candidate for ordination you will do most of your training here at Wollaston Theological College. You may also take some of your first steps here towards discerning whether God is calling you to ordained ministry.
Your first port of call will be the priest in your home parish. Their support will be a crucial part of your discernment process, and of any decision to seek to become a candidate for ordination. The Vocations Advocate is based here at Wollaston.
The process of discernment of a call to ordained ministry can be a lengthy one. In the meantime, you might like to consider getting a head-start on your theological education, either by participating in Wollaston’s Theology for Everyone program, or by enrolling in one or more units of academic study at Wollaston, through the University of Divinity.
If it is eventually discerned that you are being called to ordained ministry, you will spend time here at Wollaston, undertaking a number of different activities. Principally, these include academic study and formation for ministry. Typically, ordination candidates engage in both of these activities at the same time. However, some candidates come to their candidacy already having completed some (or all) of their theological study, while others find, once they have commenced, that their academic studies take longer to complete than their formation program. If you are able to begin your academic studies before being accepted as a candidate for ordination it may help you in the long run.
You can find more information about the process for applying to be a candidate for ordination in the Diocese of Perth on the Diocese’s website.
All newly ordained clergy are required to participate in a post-ordination training program called Training in Ministry (TiM) for three years following their ordination to the Diaconate.
TiM provides an opportunity for ongoing reflection, professional development and vocational support for those who are newly ordained.
It comprises 2 x half days and 5 x full days each calendar year.
It is assumed that, for the most part, newly ordained clergy will serve a two- year curacy before being appointed to their first ministry setting as an ordained person. Continuing with TiM in this third year provides the opportunity for ongoing and intentional support and learning during this time of transition.
If you’re considering ordained ministry or would like to learn more about the discernment and formation process, we invite you to reach out.
