Meet Canon for Vocations! What does that mean, you might wonder. Journey to ordained ministry is not easy. It comes with lots of anxious moments filled with uncertainties and at the same time, joyful, and amazing twists and turns. It is not easy to navigate this journey without the help of someone who can answer questions, concerns, fears, and anxieties along the way. The role of Canon for Vocation is to hold the hands that will one day be consecrated to serve God's people by administering sacraments, and blessing sacred moments of life. Canon for Vocation can answer questions like,

• What should I do next in this process?
• Who should I talk to to clarify the next steps?
• How long do I have to submit form x?
• How much time do I have to finish this project.
• How many times should I be meeting with the bishop?
• What does the Commission on ministry do?
• Do I need to go through a psychological evaluation?
• and anything else that causes you anxiety, ask Canon for Vocation, Amy Hoppock.

Let me assure you this, you are not alone. All your questions are in place and to be addressed and listened. Some questions may not have an answer, but if someone can sit with you to pray, to listen, many times your stress level can be reduced and your fears can be calmed.

This is the role of Canon for Vocation. Amy has taken this role to help anyone entering into the process for ordination in our diocese. Once you are in the discernment process, call on Amy Hoppock.

A Little About Amy Hoppock is a parishioner at St. Michael's Cathedral. She is a trained Spiritual Director who uses art and poetry to help her directees find God’s gracious movements in their lives. Her most important role is as a golf mom for her teenage son Reid and a dance mom for her teenage daughter Delana. While her family has been involved at St. Michael's for generations, she was raised in a small non-denomination church in rural Idaho. She returned to her Episcopalian roots in the past ten years. She writes a weekly newsletter (Smaller & Deeper) exploring the ordinary contemplative life and writes (and shares) haiku poetry.