What is God calling you to do?
The Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized (COMB) is a body of lay and ordained people who are appointed by the bishop to help people in the Convocation to discern their call to ministry.
Discernment involves prayer and discussion with others, seeking to discover and confirm the specific ministry to which God is calling you.
Through whom does the Church carry out its mission?
The Church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.
BCP, p. 855, An Outline of the Faith (the Catechism)
All baptized persons are agents of God’s mission; thus, all members of the Convocation are encouraged to enter into their own process of discernment, and not just those who might be considering ordained ministry.
Ministry in Daily Life
When the term ministry is used in the context of the Church, people often think of being ordained as a priest or deacon. However, the vast majority of ministries in the life of the Church, and in the world, are those of the laity. Others may feel called to a licensed ministry, such as a Pastoral Leader, Eucharistic Minister, or Catechist.
COMB has developed two annual, open events to help and support people in these processes: to explore the question, “What is God calling me to do?” and to support those in discernment regarding lay ministry or ordained ministry:
- Discernment Conferences – for discernment of ministry, whether lay or ordained.
- Spirituality Retreats – a time away for spiritual refreshment and growth.
- See 2025 schedule for Discernment Conferences and Spirituality Retreats here
For those who feel called to ordained ministry, once having gone through a period of discernment, and having secured the support of their home parish, COMB, together with the Bishop, is responsible for overseeing priestly formation.Read more about your call to ministry in God’s Church and the work of the Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized in ‘I will, with God’s help’: Your Call to Ministry in God’s Church’.
Licensed and Ordained Ministries in the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe
Licensed & Ordained Ministries
The current guide to both licensed and ordained ministries within the Convocation.
The Ordination Process
A flow chart detailing the processes and milestones for ordination to the clergy in the Convocation.
Calendar of Events
The Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized maintains an online calendar featuring key meetings, retreats, and gatherings related to ministry and discernment across the Convocation and the wider Anglican Communion. This regularly updated resource includes dates for commission meetings, discernment retreats, formation opportunities, and convocational events, as well as relevant international gatherings.
Whether you’re discerning a call, serving in ministry, or supporting others in their journey, the calendar helps you stay informed and connected. Visit the site often to engage with upcoming opportunities for learning, prayer, and collaboration in the shared work of the baptized community.
Upcoming Events
May 2026 - Spirituality Retreat
Germany
Commission Retreats & Conferences
The Convocational Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized hosts a variety of enriching events, with past and upcoming spiritual retreats in Italy, France, and Austria in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
These gatherings offer sacred space for reflection, discernment, and prayer—honoring the living Church of Christ through fellowship and the breaking of the bread. Rooted in Anglican tradition and marked by a distinctly Episcopalian openness, the retreats affirm the dignity and call of all God’s children. Participants are welcomed into a rhythm of worship, conversation, and shared meals that deepen community and invite each soul into renewed clarity and purpose.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Spirituality Retreats
The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe offers annual Spirituality Retreats designed for parishioners to create space for deep listening, prayer, and guidance.
Rooted in the Anglican spiritual tradition, these retreats invite participants to explore the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Held at various sacred and serene locations across Europe, the retreats are facilitated by experienced Episcopal and Anglican priests and spiritual directors.
Retreat groups typically range from 5 to 20 participants, allowing for both meaningful community and ample personal reflection. Through guided silence, shared liturgies, and one-on-one spiritual direction, attendees are supported in their discernment.
These retreats are open to all parishioners, regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, and offer not only moments of retreat from the world but also gateways into greater clarity, peace, and spiritual depth.
Discernment Conferences
The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe offers annual Discernment Retreats designed to hold space for deep listening, prayer, and guidance for those discerning a vocation to ordained ministry as a priest or a deacon. Rooted in the Anglican spiritual tradition, these retreats invite participants to explore the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Attendance at at least one Discernment retreat is a required step for aspirants who are discerning a calling to ordained ministry as a priest or a deacon. Lay ministers and aspiring lay ministers in various capacities are also encouraged to attend.
Held at various sacred and serene locations across Europe, the retreats are facilitated by experienced Episcopal and Anglican priests and spiritual directors.
Retreat groups typically range from 10 to 20 participants, allowing for both meaningful community and ample personal reflection. Through guided silence, shared liturgies, and collective spiritual direction, attendees are supported in discerning how God may be calling them—whether in personal life, to ordained ministry, or in a deeper spiritual commitment. These retreats are not only moments of retreat from the world but also gateways into greater clarity, peace, and spiritual depth.
Article by St. Paul’s Member Published by Diakonea
An article on the diaconate in the Convocation by Shelley Ruelle, member of St. Paul's Within the Walls in Rome, Italy, was recently published in the Diakoneo, a publication of The Association for Episcopal Deacons. Read her article below, courtesy of the publisher,...
A Spiritual Spring in Tuscany: Retreat at Eremo di Lecceto
In the gentle embrace of Tuscany's rolling hills, just a stone's throw from the mobbed center of Florence, our group gathered in May for a transformative spirituality retreat at the Eremo di Lecceto in Lastra a Signa. Maintained by the Roman Catholic Diocese of...
Current membership of the Commission on the ministry of the baptized
The reverend canon dr. alison gray
Chair
Canon for Spiritual Development
The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Paris, France)
monica sharp
Secretary
Member of St. James (Florence, Italy)
Paola Canu
(Florence, Italy)
the reverend Markus Dünzkofer
Priest-in-Charge of Christ the King (Frankfurt, Germany)
the reverend richard easterling
Rector of St. James (Florence, Italy)
john warner
Member of St. Augustine of Canterbury (Wiesbaden, Germany)
the reverend dr. edda wolff
Interim Vicar at St. Nino’s (Tbilisi, Georgia)