Contextual Training with the College of the Resurrection and St Hild
Full-time contextual training is the fastest-growing mode of ordination training in the
Church of England. Over 60 people have trained with St. Hild College through this route.
Residential training with the College of the Resurrection offers a deeply rooted formational
experience of community life at the home of the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield.
‘ Residing in Mirfield on a beautiful site hallowed by rhythms of monastic life for over a
century while learning-in-practice in a local parish context really will be getting the best of both worlds: deep spiritual roots and breadth of missional experience.’
-The Revd Dr Janet Williams
Students on this pathway will be members of both Colleges:
- The College of the Resurrection (CoR) will be your primary home – literally – as you will live there, and metaphorically, in that your Diocese will count you as a ‘CoR ordinand’; you will take a full part in the life of the CoR community, including worship and prayer. CoR staff will provide overall formational and tutorial support, including additional short-term placements.
- St Hild will provide and oversee your contextual placement and your academic studies, which will normally include a programme of study towards a Durham University award in Theology, Ministry and Mission: the university will count you as a ‘St Hild student’. Most of your classes will be with St Hild, including some weekend workshops and monthly meetings with other full-time contextual students to reflect together and share your learning.
This form of training is suitable for all ordinands who can be considered for residential training; it will be especially attractive for those seeking to combine experience of the structured spiritual life of Mirfield, with the missional training available in a full-time context.
The Formation experience involves:
- Term-time residence in Mirfield: CoR accommodation is provided, including the availability of family accommodation for married students
- A rhythm of regular worship and prayer with other CoR students
- Normally 16 hours per week in a missional placement context within convenient travelling distance from Mirfield
- Weekly study on a Wednesday night with St Hild in Mirfield, some Saturday study days (with additional time off in the week to compensate) and dedicated study time during the week.
Key strengths of this pathway include:
- An active and practice-based approach, being formed as a fully active and empowered member of a community of missional learners, in a wide range of church contexts
- Be formed by a rhythm of learning and prayer, growing deep spiritual roots to sustain you through times of change and challenge
- Growing the character and skills that support future mission and ministry
- Learning in a way that is applied to local contexts, so you can make new connections and reach your academic potential
- Share in the unique breadth of Church traditions represented across our two Colleges, learning alongside those called to different patterns of lay and ordained ministry
How do I apply?
Your first approach should be to the College of the Resurrection to arrange a visit and an interview conversation with them. Let us know that you’re considering the Joint Colleges Pathway, and we will make sure you get a chance to meet with St Hild while you’re in Mirfield.
We will arrange suitable date for you to visit to meet with staff and students here, and also arrange a meeting with the Vice Principal of St Hild.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions such as:
How will I manage the competing demands of belonging to two Colleges alongside a commitment to my placement context?
What exactly will I study?
What support is there for me and my family?
And no doubt many others too!
If this pathway is one which you wish to explore further, then please do get in touch. Please email the College Secretary in the first instance.
