Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

SEND ME TO CANTERBURY--PLEASE READ

Friends, as well as people I don't know--

I'm Erin Jean Warde, a 24 year-old middler seminarian at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX.  I am a postulant from the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.  I have been accepted into the Canterbury Scholars program, which is a program in which students/newly ordained priests from all across the Anglican Communion get together at Canterbury for two weeks.  In those two weeks, we will be taught by scholars from across the world, and we as pilgrims in the program will all be from different places.  We will pray the hours together, meet at the table together, and learn from each other by being immersed in community at Canterbury. 

This is truly a once in a life time experience for me.  As someone who is in the ordination process, I think the Canterbury Scholars program will only help me to theologically, pastorally, and genuinely care for parishioners in the future.  I am dedicated to being the best priest I could potentially be (with God's help), and I think that being immersed in members of the body of Christ from across the Anglican Communion will only help me see Christ in each and every person I meet.

Unfortunately, being a seminarian means being broke!  I also have never flown over seas. I do already have my passport, so I am blessed to not have to worry about that expense.  There is a possibility that I will be receiving a grant from EES to offset some of the costs of the Canterbury Scholar program, but I would still need airfare, other assorted travel money, a small amount of money for emergencies, and potentially money to put toward buying things I need to pack for such a trip. 

During the time I would be over seas, I have a friend who will be working at the Cathedral in Paris, so if money allows, I would like to visit the Cathedral and further explore the rich history that France and England offer, especially in regards to the church I feel called to be ordained in.  Also, I would like to go places and see things in England that are important for Anglicans to experience!  I say this to emphasize that if any money is donated above and beyond airfare and necessities, I plan to put that money toward a EuroRail card so that I can see other places of historical and spiritual significance that I would otherwise maybe never see.

Once I receive word on how much grant money I'll be receiving, I'll better know what my goal amount to raise is.  Right now my goal is simply approximately $1,000 because that is about how much a round trip flight costs.  I will update with a more accurate goal amount ASAP!

If you have any other questions or comments, please contact me at erinjeanwarde@gmail.com  I would be happy to tell you more biographical information, send you my C.V., etc.  Also, I do not write this to only ask for money, though money is a primary need.  If you have been to England, and the surrounding areas, and have suggestions for very important things for me to see to enhance my formation as a seminarian, please tell me.  I would like to make the most out of this trip, and bring my stories back to Austin and to my friends and family to hopefully build others up through the beauty of my own experiences.  I believe that when I reflect on this trip, I will definitely say "that'll preach!"

Thank you for listening!