In an expression of the deepest commitment someone can give to God, Fay Holdom recently made her Life Vow for the Single Consecrated Life (SCL).
The special service was held on 6 June at St John the Baptist Church in Hungarton, and was led by the Bishop of Loughborough, Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, alongside the Revd Crystal McAllister and the Revd Canon Philip Norwood.
This vow and lifelong “yes” will shape the rhythm of Fay’s days to come, but was a journey that started unexpectedly in a conversation with God, she explains:
“Two and a half years after my life-long partner died, I was still asking God, ‘What now, Lord?’" she says. “One morning a tsunami of understanding gave me the answer. God wanted my undivided devotion - for life! I was shocked but willing and said, ‘Yes.’
“I thought that was it. I'd given my promise in the privacy of my own bedroom…
“Within 48 hours of that, he brought me (no doubt whatsoever!) the story of a local lady making her life vow as a Single Consecrated Life. I didn't normally receive Diomail, at that time, but this one came to me. I’d never heard of SCL but I was curious and investigated. It’s impossible to describe the conviction but I knew that's what was being asked of me.”
Fay has been supported in this journey by a spiritual director, who suggested a period of discernment and to ask people in her various faith communities to pray for her during this period.
“I attend four different churches, all of which help me to grow in my faith and practice. I appreciate diversity,” she says.
“Although I am active in various small ways in the community in which I live, that community is in need of spiritual nurturing. I pray that I may have a role in that process, according to God's will.”
Talking about her devotion, Fay says: “For me this vocation means a more personal and intimate relationship with God, at his invitation. What could be more precious than that?”
The SCL is a recognised vocation within the Church of England, albeit a little known one. It’s a fresh expression of religious life within the Anglican church and is essentially a calling to remain single and celibate for God.
Unlike nuns and monks who usually live in specific religious communities under a common rule, those called to the SCL usually live in the community or world in general and develop their own pattern or discipline of life under the guidance of a spiritual director.
The SCL calling can be expressed in a wide variety of ways, depending on life stage, giftings, personality, and other commitments. Some people will have more of an active ministry, while others will be more contemplative.
Fay’s advice to anyone considering the SCL life path would be:
- Pray and listen (in the widest sense)
- Discuss with a Spiritual Director or priest or someone you trust with your spirituality.
- Make contact with the SCL network
- Practice discernment
Information about the SCL can be found at Single Consecrated Life.