NEW YORK CITY - The General Theological Seminary (GTS) and its Students of Color organization will sponsor a Vocations Day for Students Color on Saturday, April 16, 2005 on the Seminary's historic Manhattan campus from 9:30am to 3pm. Presenters at the seminar include the Rev. Eddie Alleyne, priest-in-charge, Holy Apostles Episcopal Church, Brooklyn; the Rev. Steve Foster, curate, St. George's Episcopal Church, Hempstead, NY; the Rev. Preston Hannibal, Canon for Academic Ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington; and the Rev. Angela Ifill, missioner, Office of Black Ministries of the Episcopal Church USA. The speakers will describe opportunities for ministry within the church and address such questions as what it means to be called, what the seminary experience is like, how the admissions process works, and how the church can better address the need for increased representation from within the ethnic communities it serves. Current GTS students will be on hand to discuss their individual journeys to seminary and their experiences once here.
"It's wonderful to study along side others who are preparing for rewarding and challenging ministries in the church," said Stephanie Yancy, a second year Master of Divinity student from the Diocese of Maryland and an organizer for the event. "One thing you quickly learn is that it all begins with recognizing and responding to a call to vocation. That's what this day-long seminar is all about," The Dean of the Seminary, the Very Rev. Ward B. Ewing will be on hand to greet the participants. There will be tours of the Seminary's beautiful grounds and a Eucharist will be celebrated in Spanish at mid-day. All college undergraduates and adult congregants interested in exploring vocations are most welcome to attend. The seminar is provided to participants without cost, including lunch but reservations are necessary. Registration online will be available shortly at the General Seminary website (look for this event under "Events" and "Seminary Life"). You may also contact Antoinette (Toni) Daniels, Executive Director of Enrollment Management, at 212-243-5150 ext. 280 for further information on this program.
