Society Vocations Group

Have you ever wondered whether God might be calling you to ministry?

Whether you are just beginning to explore a vocation or are already actively discerning God’s call, our Vocations Team is here to support you. You can contact the team at any stage of your journey for a conversation about your calling. Alongside one-to-one support, the diocese offers a range of groups, events and resources to help people explore their next steps. The range of options are outlined here.

Speaking about the opportunities available to explore vocations in our diocese, the Revd Canon Rachel Watts, Director of Vocations said:

“Exploring a vocation is an exciting and prayerful journey, and no one needs to do it alone. Across the Diocese of Manchester we offer a range of opportunities to help people discern God’s call, including the Ministry Exploration Group, Vocations Day, mentoring, conversations with the Vocations Team and, for men exploring ordained ministry in the Society tradition, the Society Vocations Group.

“Each offers something slightly different, helping people access the support, encouragement and fellowship that best meets their needs as they explore where God may be leading them. Together, they provide a rich network of support for people at every stage of their journey.”

For men who are exploring ordained ministry in Society parishes, a new Society Vocations Group is taking place this year. As part of our diocese’s vocations provision, the group will provide support for those discerning ministry within the Society tradition.

Launch Event

The group will launch with a Mass for Vocations, followed by an opportunity to meet others, enjoy fellowship and find out more about the forthcoming programme. The details are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Time: 7pm to 8.30pm
Venue: Church of the Holy Family, 190 Lord Lane, Failsworth, Manchester, M35 0QS

Course Dates

Wednesday, 30th September 2026, 7pm to 8.30pm
Church of the Holy Family, Failsworth, Manchester, M35 0QS

Wednesday, 25th November 2026, 7pm to 8.30pm
St Augustine of Canterbury, Thicketford Road, Tonge Moor, Bolton, BL2 2LP

Saturday, 30th January 2027, 12 noon to 1.30pm
St Hilda, Whittaker Lane, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1EX

Wednesday, 17th March 2027, 7pm to 8.30pm
St James with St Ambrose, Barry Street, Oldham, Manchester, OL1 3NG

Wednesday, 26th May 2027, 7pm to 8.30pm
St Thomas and All Saints, Kenwood Avenue, Bedford Leigh, Leigh, WN7 2LN

Saturday, 31st July 2027, 12 noon to 1.30pm
St Crispin’s, Hart Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 7LE

Contact

For further information about this group or any of the other groups or support available in our diocese, please contact:

Revd Canon Rachel Watts, Director of Vocations
rachelwatts@manchester.anglican.org
Telephone: 0161 708 9366

Fr Lewis Oliver-Hemmings-Faye
frlewisohf@gmail.com
Telephone: 07584 565490

Fr Ben Jennings
fatherbenjennings@yahoo.com
Telephone: 07719 157468