Doubletree by Hilton, Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AZ

OWNED BY ALL – Vocational Synthesis

Hosted by: The National Conference of Ongoing Formation Directors for Clergy
(CBCEW)

Dates: Monday 13 – Wednesday 15 October 2025
(Directors for Ongoing Formation until 16 October)

We live in a moment when the Church’s call to “Vocational Synthesis” is still taking shape. Outlined by the Dicastery for Clergy and meant to unfold beyond the walls of the seminary and in the home diocese of each seminarian; what does Vocational Synthesis mean for Priestly Formation in England & Wales?

Please remember us in prayer as we identify the concrete resources for this initiative to take root and flourish in our dioceses while we navigate the distinct yet complementary roles of the Bishop, the Vocation Director, the Seminary Rector, and the Ongoing Formation Director to ensure that Vocational Synthesis does not become an isolated event but a coherent journey towards what the Church calls every priest to be.

Speakers

Sr Bernadette Reis FSP
Keynote Speaker & Facilitator
The Cultural Challenges of Vocational Synthesis in Priestly Formation – Vocational Synthesis: A Project for Life

Archbishop John Wilson
Conference Keynote
The Synodal & Fraternal Pathways : Charting the Course of Vocational Synthesis in Priestly Formation.

Dame Karen Foong DSS
Chair
Introduction and opening notes tracing the context of Vocational Synthesis for Owned By All and a reflective endnote to guide the fruits of the conference towards a hopeful finish.

Downloads

Details

Monday 13 October

Time	Event	Speaker
15:00	ARRIVALS Welcome pack and room allocations
18:00	Opening liturgy
19:00	Drinks and supper reception

Tuesday 14 October

Time	Event	Speaker
06:30	Breakfast available for early risers
08:00	Morning Prayer followed by Breakfast
09:30	CONFERENCE START introduction, prayer and opening keynote	Dame Karen Foong DSS
10:00	Session 1 – The Synodal & Fraternal Pathways: Charting the Course of Vocational Synthesis	Archbishop John Wilson
11:00	Break
11:30	Session 2 – Group work (1)
13:00	Lunch
14:30	Session 3 -Feedback by PowerPoint and reflections
	The Cultural Challenges for Vocational Synthesis in Priestly Formation	Sr Bernadette Reis fsp
15:50	Break
16:30	Panel discussion based on Group work (1)
18:00	Concelebrated Mass	presided by Archbishop John Wilson
19:15	Dinner

Wednesday 15 October

Time	Event	Speaker
06:30	Breakfast available for early risers
08:00	Morning Prayer followed by Breakfast
09:30	Conference Prayer and opening notes
09:45	Presentation of responses from discussions the day before
10:00	Session 3 – Vocational Synthesis: The Beginning of a Project for Life	Sr Bernadette Reis fsp
10:45	Break
11:15	Session 4 – Group work (2)
12:00	CONCELEBRATED MASS presided by HE Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia
13:15	Lunch
14:30	Session 5 – Panel discussion based on Group work (2)
	Group work (3)
15:30	Panel discussion based on Group work (3)
16:15	Break
16:45	Session 6 – Conference Synthesis	Sr Bernadette Reis fsp
	Endnote	Dame Karen Foong DSS
17:30	Recap and Closing Liturgy followed by DEPARTURES
	Extended Sessions for OGF Directors
19:15	Dinner
20:30	Optional Session – Autumn Residential Meeting Of OGF Directors

Thursday 16 October [Directors for Ongoing Formation]

Time	Event	Speaker
06:30	Breakfast available for early risers
07:30	Morning Prayer and Mass
08:30	Breakfast
09:30	Session 1
10:45	Break
11:15	Session 2
13:00	Lunch
14:00	Session 3
16:00	Break
16:30	Session 4
17:30	Departures

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