For some Christians, a calling to ministry means traveling far from home, but some are called to serve in the same place that they live. For Clare Negreira, it became evident that her place of ministry was located in her own worshipping community of St Catharine’s, Gloucester.
“I became part of the St Catharine’s congregation in 2018. At first, I didn’t fully understand my calling to ministry, but as I went through the discernment process, I realised God was drawing me back to the place I knew best. From May to August of 2022, I had conversations with clergy in our parish, and by the end of the August, I said yes to God. I knew without a doubt that I was meant to serve at St Catharine’s, in the very community where my faith had grown.
“The jobs I had before serving in ministry prepared me for pastoral care in ways I hadn’t expected. It’s been incredible to serve at my home church, in the place where I know the people, the struggles, and the heart of the community.”
Clare has formed deep connections with some members of the congregation since she started serving in her worship community. She said: “I already knew many people in the church, and they were so supportive of my faith journey. Some have been faithful in prayer with me, and they feel part of it. It’s a blessing to walk this path with people who have known me for years.
“It’s amazing because I also meet people who I have never met before, and who I will never meet again, but in that moment, God is in the conversation. I reflect and pray about that afterwards in a much more intentional way, which is wonderful.”
Not every diocese offers a programme that allows individuals to minister in their home communities. “It’s still in its early stages in Gloucester, but it gives people the chance to serve where they feel called,” Clare said. “I feel incredibly fortunate that my calling was to my own home church. If anyone feels drawn to serve, I encourage them to explore it; sometimes, God might be calling you to exactly where you already are.”
If you have a sense that God might be calling you to something new, speak to your local priest or find more guidance on the vocations pages of our website here.
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