Clergy Continuing Education
Connecting in Ministry
Connecting in Ministry is a formative 2-year program for newly ordained clergy and those called to a new position in the diocese. Participants in this program will also attend an Orientation to the Diocese led by members of Diocesan Staff (offered two times a year).
Objectives
- Provide a learning community for continued formation beyond seminary.
- Develop and strengthen clergy collegiality within the Diocese of Virginia.
- Equip clergy to grow more fully into ordained ministry.
- Participate in collegial conversations that strengthen our common ministry.
- Engage in best practices and formative opportunities to ensure clergy health and wellness.
- Explore more fully the diocesan vision: Love Jesus. Embody Justice. Be Disciples.
2025 – 2026 Program Year
All in-person sessions will take place at Christ Church, Spotsylvania, 8951 Courthouse Rd.
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9/11/25 – Will You Be Loyal?: A Fresh Look at the Constitution and Canons (Zoom); The Rev. Canon d’Rue Hazel, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Virginia
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10/9/25 – Ministry in the Context of Our Anglican Identity: Leading in a Time of Partisan Polarization (In-person) · The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas, Assistant Bishop, Diocese of Virginia
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11/13/2025 – Serving as Stewards: Financial Practices and 501c3 Administration (Zoom); Mr. Ted Smith, Treasurer, Diocese of Virginia
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1/8/2026 – I Am So Called: Exploring Vocational Discernment (In Person); The Rev. Sarah Kye Price, Vocations Minister; The Rev. Will Dickinson, Transitions Minister; and The Rev. Ricardo Sheppard, Canon for Discipleship, Diocese of Virginia
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2/12/2026 – You Have to Go Home: Family Systems Theory and Church Leadership – The Rev. Richard Blackburn. Senior Consultant, Systems Thinking Ministry
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3/12 – End of Program Year Celebration with the Bishops (In Person)
Monthly Clergy Call
On the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m., clergy are invited to a Zoom call with the bishops. The topics of these 30-minute calls and the link to join is sent to clergy in the monthly clergy communique newsletter.
Spring Clergy Conference
Clergy Conference is a time for clergy to gather and reflect together each year at Shrine Mont. Details are published on our web calendar and in the Clergy Communique each spring.
Colleague Groups
Colleague Groups are available for any clergyperson who wishes to participate. Former Fresh Start Facilitators will serve as the facilitators of these groups. Whether you have served in the Church for two or more than twenty years, your participation will strengthen your ministry and serve as a model for others. Colleague Groups are an important aspect of any ministry. If you would like to join a Colleague Group, please email Gloria Parham.
Post-MDiv Mentors
Post-MDiv mentors are available for newly ordained clergy (transitional deacons and priests). If you would like to participate, please reach out to the Rev. Dr. Sarah Kye Price for more information.
Council of Deacons
This program is facilitated by the diocesan Archdeacons. Please contact the Ven. Holly Hanback for more details.
One-on-One Coaching
The Rev. Dr. Sarah Kye Price, the Rev. Shirley Smith Graham, and Canon d’Rue Hazel offer one-on-one coaching for clergy. Contact them for more details.
Safe Church Training
Full details regarding Misconduct Prevention Training in the Diocese of Virginia are available here. Contact Gloria Parham if you have additional questions.