Tracy Charnock

Tracy, what were you doing before you came to Mirfield?

For the past 5 years I have been employed by the Disability Benefits Centre in Manchester. Initially I worked as a Decision Maker dealing with claims to benefit but more recently managed the Customer Service Section.

Why did you choose Mirfield?

I have known, and indeed been inspired by, several Mirfield-trained priests during my life, so I decided to visit this College. Three main aspects of the visit assisted me in finally choosing Mirfield. Firstly at Evensong, having arrived straight from the hubbub of everyday life, I felt truly inspired by the singing of the Psalms, the prayer and the silence. Secondly students and staff seemed both honest and realistic when telling of their experiences and impressions of the place. Finally, the more I learnt about the ethos of the College, the greater the appeal of the common life of prayer, work and study.

Have you found the worship here rather different to what you’re used to?

For most of my life I have worshipped in ‘typical’ Anglican Parish Churches where the Sunday Eucharist and the Daily Offices were focal points. Worship at College is bound by a daily cycle of prayer; Mattins, Evensong and Daily Mass. It isn’t strikingly different to what I’m used to but certainly more intense – and I don’t think I’ve sung as much in my life.

How did you recognise the call from God?

It has taken a process of discernment over many years to recognise the call to ordained ministry. I first began to explore this at university when I felt a burning desire to be more active in the life of the church. I didn’t feel I had the conviction at this point to begin the process of selection for full time ministry. I spent the next 10 years examining, or maybe at times, running away from, God’s call. A number of recent challenging life- experiences, alongside the good examples of ministry in my parish priests, caused me to review my life, to re-discover faith and to admit to a sense of vocation. After much prayer and contemplation, I articulated this to the Rector. She was most supportive and immediately put me in touch with the Diocesan Director of Ordinands. Since then a number of insightful discussions, with a wide variety of people, have helped me to discern further the sense of call.

How have you found prayer in this place?

My prayer life has never been as rich and dynamic as it is in this place. The daily routine of Mattins and Evensong, blended with time alone in silent prayer, has intensified my spirituality and my relationship with God.

How do you cope with differences amongst the student body?

In any close community, difference is inevitable. I consider it testimony to the integrity of the students here that, on the whole, conflict has not been ignored or left unresolved.

Which aspect of your studies do you find the most interesting?

The weekly lecture on Christian Believing is an inspiration to me; especially as I have never formally studied theology before. These lectures explore the philosophy of religion and theology in the Christian tradition, grappling with the fundamentals of faith and challenging incorrect positions. They cause me to dig deeper for a more reflective faith.

What do you find difficult and what is the most fun?

The early start in the morning for Mattins has been a bit of a shock to the system - but I’m adapting steadily. The fun times have been in the evenings; relaxing with fellow students over the odd glass of wine or two, and discussing the meaning of life, etc.!

What hopes and expectations do you have?

I hope to develop more self-awareness, to be formed by the journey and to leave College having made some lasting friendships.