This is a special service of Holy Communion to which everyone is invited, during which Janine Fair, member of All Saints, will take her first vow of consecrated celibacy as she embarks on the Single Consecrated Life (SCL)
Janine writes:
"Many vocations exist within the Church of England; one of the least well known is the Single Consecrated Life (SCL). This vocation is essentially a calling to remain single for God, and is a form of new monasticism. Unlike nuns and monks, however, those called to the SCL usually live in the community in general, rather than in a specific community. The SCL calling can be expressed in a wide variety of ways, depending on life stage, giftings, personality, and other commitments. Each person called to the SCL must discern the shape of their own vocation.
For me, the call to the SCL came very suddenly and unexpectedly over 3 years ago, in a time of personal angst. I heard four words from God that literally changed my life. Those words were: ‘Will you marry me?’ The answer had to be yes, although I did not really understand what form this would take. I had never even heard of the SCL at that point, despite being in the Church of England for over 20 years. It took several conversations with wise others, particularly my spiritual director and a sister at the Convent of the Holy Cross, Costock, to point me in the right direction. Since then I have been on an exhilarating journey of discovery, which has been both excruciatingly painful and exquisitely beautiful. The overriding emotion, though, has been joy, deep joy.
As an introvert, it is perhaps not surprising that my SCL journey has drawn me deeper into prayer and contemplation. I prefer behind the scenes roles. The surprising part has been a growing appreciation of signs, symbols and sacraments – hence my move from Emmanuel to All Saints over a year ago.
The call to the SCL feels like an immense privilege, and I have come to understand that, at its heart, the SCL is about witnessing to God’s all-sufficiency. I am finally in the process of preparing to take my first vows (these will be repeated in three years), and thereby making a public declaration of my willingness to depend on God for everything, on every level. I would value your prayers and support in this, and as I continue to journey onwards. And I would be very happy to share more with you if you ask – it always brings me great joy to talk about this precious calling."
All are welcome to come to this service and pray for Janine on this significant moment in her life.