MANUAL AND GUIDE FOR ORDINATION

Transcription

1 Making Disciples ~ Raising up Saints ~ Transforming Communities for Christ THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MANUAL AND GUIDE FOR ORDINATION

2 THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MANUAL AND GUIDE FOR ORDINATION INTRODUCTION All Christians by virtue of their baptism are called to ministry. Some minister as lay persons and others as ordained. It is the responsibility of the Church to help its members discern to which of these ministries they are called. While the call to ordained ministry is individual, ordination is performed in, by, and for the Church. Therefore, the Church is obligated to establish the integrity of that call, assure the suitability of the individual for the call, and determine that the ordination will help fulfill the needs of the Church for ministry. This manual outlines the processes toward the diaconate and the priesthood as stipulated by both diocesan and national canons. The various requirements should not be considered as hurdles to be overcome, but as a gradual process of discernment in which that person and the Church discover the will of God for that person. The local congregation, the Diocesan Commission on Ministry, the Standing Committee, and the Bishop work together in the process of discernment. All those considering a call to ordained ministry should carefully read the Ordination Rites in The Book of Common Prayer and the Title III Canons concerning ministry in The Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church. In the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, it is expected that those seeking ordination as a deacon or as a priest will: Be able to articulate one's life story, including the dimensions of spiritual pilgrimage. The story should show growth and development, demonstrate intellectual competence and capacity for leadership, and reflect elements of personal devotion, as well as times of struggle. Be a confirmed adult member in good standing of a local congregation or Community of Religious and involved in that congregation or community's worship, education, witness, and ministry. This involvement should be at least two years duration; the first as an active member of the parish/community, and the second engaged in discernment. This involvement should be of such a quality that the clergy and congregation are able to determine the applicant's sense of call and affirm readiness and suitability for entry into the process toward ordination. Canon III.6.2 and Canon III.8.2 2

3 Be willing to take the initiative in completing applications for each step in the ordination process and provide all required certificates or reports. Be at a point in life where devoting at least four years from Postulancy to Ordination is realistic. Be prepared to complete a required course of study and formation approved by the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Bishop. Be responsible for financial costs of ordination throughout the process. Some important things to note: Those called to the Priesthood must first be ordained as a Deacon before being ordained as a Priest. Canon III.8.6(a) You may be ordained a Deacon only after at least 18 months have passed since your written acceptance of your vestry's nomination has been submitted to the Office of the Bishop. Canon III.6.6(a.1) & Canon III.8.7(a.1) You must be at least 24 years of age at the time of ordination to the Diaconate. Canon III.6.6(a.2) & Canon III.8.7(a.2) You may be ordained a Priest no sooner than 6 months after ordination to the Diaconate. Canon III.8.7(a.1) It is the policy in our diocese that the time between designation as a Candidate for Holy Orders and Ordination be a minimum of six months. All medical/psychological evaluations and background checks must be completed no more than 36 months before your ordination as a priest or deacon. Canon III.6.5(j) & Canon III.8.7(a.3) - Please consult the Diocesan Ordination Process Coordinator if you have been previously evaluated and need an update to abide by this requirement. Discernment of your call will be ongoing throughout the process. Be aware that you may be asked to do something not listed in this rather general discussion of the process, or that you may be asked to step out of the process if your call does not continue to be validated by the Bishop. Inform yourself as to all the steps of this process and the documentation required. The Diocesan Ordination Process Coordinator is available to help you with questions about deadlines, forms and procedures. You should retain copies of all documents and information you send to the Office of the Bishop and Diocesan Commission on Ministry. Once you are made a Postulant, keep in regular contact with the Diocesan Commission on Ministry Liaison that has been assigned to you. Update the liaison on the progress of your formation. The liaison will report your progress periodically to the Diocesan Commission on Ministry. 3

4 Steps To Postulancy For Both The Diaconate And The Priesthood Person Discerning A Call To Ordained Ministry! Nominee!Postulant Both those called to the diaconate and those called to the priesthood initiate the process toward ordination by applying to be designated as a Postulant for Holy Orders. The procedure and requirements for Postulancy are the same for both orders. Once designated as a Postulant, the person then pursues the path toward the appropriate order. 1. The Discerner's Interview with the Member of the Clergy a. The process toward ordination begins with thorough discussions between the Discerner and the Member of the Clergy in Charge of the Discerner's congregation. Normally it is not appropriate to begin this process when there is no permanent Rector or Vicar in place. b. The Member of the Clergy in Charge should refer to the Guide For Sponsoring Clergy* to direct their early discernment work with those feeling a call to ordained ministry. This guide is included with the Ordination Forms and Supporting Documents found on the Diocesan web site. (Hereafter, an asterisk in the text will indicate a form or document on the Ordination Forms and Supporting Documents web page.) c. It is the Member of the Clergy's discretion either to affirm or decline that it is the appropriate time for the Discerner to continue with the formal process of discernment for ordained ministry. d. Regarding Communities of Religious: In the case of a member of a Community of Religious seeking nomination for Postulancy, the role of a Member of the Clergy will be taken by the Superior of the Order, if they are an ordained priest and, if not, by the chaplain for the order. The role of the Vestry is taken by the Governing Council or Board of the Order. Canon III.5.2(e) 2. Meeting with the Bishop a. If the Member of the Clergy in Charge feels that it is an appropriate time for the Discerner to proceed with the formal process of discernment concerning ordained ministry, they will send a written Letter of Introduction to the Bishop. Instructions for this letter can be found in the Guide For Sponsoring Clergy.* 4

5 b. After receiving this Letter of Introduction, the Bishop will set a time to meet together with the Discerner and the Member of the Clergy. c. Following this interview, the Bishop will decide whether to invite the Discerner to continue in the discernment process for ordination. d. The Bishop will notify the Discerner, the recommending Member of the Clergy, and the Commission on Ministry of this decision. 3. Congregation s Commission on Ministry (CCOM) a. Following the Bishop's permission to proceed, the Member of the Clergy in Charge will refer the Discerner to the Congregation s Commission on Ministry (CCOM) to explore the Discerner's call to ordination. b. The CCOM's primary function is working within the congregation to help discern and support people in their various calls to ministry; lay and ordained. They work with individuals prayerfully to help them discern where God might be inviting them at a particular point in time. c. CCOM Guidelines* can be found on the Diocesan website. d. The CCOM completes the Report of CCOM to Clergy and Vestry* outlining observations of their discernment with the Discerner to the Parish Vestry (or comparable body). 4. Review/Recommendation of Vestry (or comparable body) & Member of the Clergy in Charge a. The Member of the Clergy in Charge and Vestry (or comparable body) review the CCOM report. b. If the Vestry (or comparable body) and the Member of the Clergy in Charge decide to endorse the Discerner for Postulancy, the following should be sent to the Office of the Bishop, with copies also sent to the Nominee: i. Endorsement Of Application For Postulancy,* which must be signed by the Member of the Clergy in Charge and at least two- thirds of the Vestry (or comparable body). Canon III.5.2(c), Canon III.6.2(a) and Canon III.8.2(a) ii. Report of CCOM to Clergy and Vestry* Canon III.6.2(b.5) and Canon III.8.2(b.5) iii. The Discerner's written acceptance of their Vestry s nomination. This should be in the form of a letter from 5

6 the Nominee to the Bishop, which states their acceptance of their Vestry's Nomination for Postulancy. Canon III.6.2(b) & Canon III.8.2(b) 5. Formal Application and supplemental items that are typically required. Please check with the Diocesan Ordination Process Coordinator for a complete list of requirements, deadlines and current forms. a. Endorsement Of Application For Postulancy* Canon III.5.2(c), Canon III.6.2(a) & Canon III.8.2(a) b. Report of CCOM to Clergy and Vestry* Canon III.6.2(b.5) & Canon III.8.2(b.5) c. The Discerner's written acceptance of their Vestry s nomination for Postulancy. Canon III.6.2(b) & Canon III.8.2(b) d. Authorization And Release Form* for psychiatric and/or psychological assessment. Canon III.6.5(j) & Canon III.8.5(k) e. Current Oxford background check - initiated by the Office of the Bishop f. Medical Exam Form* Canon III.6.5(j.2) & Canon III.8.5(k.2) g. Psychological evaluation forms. See Instructions For Psychological Evaluation.* These forms include: Behavior Screening Questionnaire* and Life History Questionnaire.* h. Paid invoice from your Congregation for evaluation and background checks. i. The Application For Holy Orders * j. Six letters of recommendation from a variety of sources. One of these should be from the Nominee's Rector or Clergy Person in Charge. k. Current resume. l. A wallet- size photograph. m. Evidence of Baptism and Confirmation. Canon III.6.2(b.3) & Canon III.8.2(b.3) n. Transcripts of college work or equivalent. Canon III.6.2(b.6) & Canon III.8.2(b.6) 6. Psychological Evaluation a. The Nominee is evaluated by and receives psychological testing using a designated diocesan instrument that meets canonical requirements. Canon III.6.5(j.2) & Canon III.8.5(k.2) 6

7 b. The psychological evaluator sends a copy of this confidential report to the Bishop, who may review it with a psychological consultant. The psychological evaluation is kept in a confidential file in the Office of the Bishop. The Diocesan Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee do not have access to this file. 7. The Discernment Retreat a. The Nominee is scheduled to attend a Diocesan Discernment Retreat. Typically two discernment retreats are scheduled each year. b. All documentation required in the application process above must be in the Office of the Bishop eight weeks in advance of the Discernment Retreat. c. These retreats are an intensive time of prayer and discernment, with in- depth interviews conducted by members of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee. d. The interviews may cover the following or similar topics: spiritual life and prayer, academic background and experience, sense of call to ministry, family life and self- care, leadership formation and ecclesiology. e. At the conclusion of this retreat, the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee will determine whether or not to recommend the Nominee to the Bishop for admission to Postulancy. f. Nominees will be informed at the conclusion of the Discernment Retreat what the Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee will be recommending to the Bishop. g. Following the Discernment Retreat, a scheduled phone call will be set up for the Bishop to discuss the retreat with the Nominee, and at that time the Bishop will inform the Nominee of his/her decision concerning Postulancy. 8. If the Bishop decides to make the Nominee a Postulant, they will also receive a formal letter stating such from the Bishop. 9. Appointment of a Liaison. The Diocesan Commission on Ministry will appoint one of its members to be a liaison between the Postulant and the Diocesan Commission on Ministry. 7

8 The Path Toward Ordination As A Vocational Deacon Postulant! Candidate! Ordinand! Deacon Steps To Candidacy 1. Traditional Formation Path: The Postulant will confer with the Bishop and the Diocesan Commission on Ministry to establish a plan of theological study and formation for diaconal ministry. The generally preferred process for preparation will include enrollment in and completion of the three- year course of studies at the School for Deacons located in Berkeley, California. 2. Non- Traditional Formation Paths: In exceptional circumstances a non- traditional course of study may be approved by the Bishop and the Commission on Ministry. These non- traditional courses of preparation are referred to as the Total Ministry Path (as part of a Total Ministry Team) and the Alternative Path. a. Formation Plan: If a Postulant is not attending the School for Deacons or other formal diaconal school, a plan of formation will be developed in consultation with the Bishop, Diocesan Archdeacon and such other individuals as they may ask to assist. i. The plan will cover all canonically required training ii. The plan will be overseen by a mentoring deacon and priest iii. The plan will be set forth in a written document signed by the Bishop, Archdeacon, Postulant, mentoring deacon, mentoring priest, and the Chairperson of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry. iv. Progress under the plan will be evaluated at least annually by the Archdeacon and mentoring clergy, and will be reported to the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Bishop in writing. 3. Training: Regardless of the path of formation, training in the following areas are required a. Prevention of sexual misconduct b. Civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse c. The Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof d. The Church s teaching on racism. Canon III.6.5(g) 8

9 e. Community Development: Completion of an approved Community Development Training course 4. DCOM Liaison: The Postulant and their Diocesan Commission on Ministry Liaison will maintain frequent (preferably monthly) contact. Postulants are particularly requested to communicate any change in their circumstances that may impact their process of education and formation. 5. Communication with the Bishop: The Postulant will communicate with the Bishop four times a year at Ember Weeks. The purpose of these communications is to inform the Bishop of the Postulant s academic, diaconal, human, spiritual, and practical development. Copies of written communications may be sent to the Diocesan Commission on Ministry Liaison at the Postulant s discretion. Canon III.6.4(e) 6. Diocesan Commission on Ministry: The DCOM will interview the Postulant as needed and make recommendations regarding the Postulant s preparation. Canon III.6.5(i) 7. Candidacy Interview: Prior to the final year of the prescribed program for theological study, the Postulant will be interviewed by the Diocesan Commission on Ministry to evaluate his or her fitness for candidacy. At that time, the Diocesan Commission on Ministry will make a recommendation to the Bishop and Standing Committee regarding designation as a Candidate. This decision is based upon the Postulant s successful progress to date in completing the plan of theological study and formation for diaconal ministry. If the Postulant is recommended for candidacy by the Diocesan Commission on Ministry, they will then be interviewed by the Standing Committee for their approval and recommendation to the Bishop. Canon III.6.4(b) 8. Candidacy Forms and Application: Before the Candidacy Interview with the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee, the Postulant must file a Application For Admission To Candidacy - Postulant's Application* form and obtain an Endorsement Of Candidacy For Holy Orders* form from the Member of the Clergy in Charge and the Vestry (or comparable body) of their home/sponsoring congregation and send it to the Bishop. Canon III.4(a) 9. The Bishop, upon the recommendation of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee, may then designate the Postulant as a Candidate for Holy Orders, and will notify the Candidate of this designation. 10. It is the policy in our diocese that the time between designation as a Candidate for Holy Orders and Ordination be a minimum of six months, preferably longer. 9

10 Steps To Ordination As A Vocational Deacon 1. Completion of Education/Formation: The Candidate should successfully complete the prescribed program of theological study and diaconal formation. The School for Deacons, or those overseeing an individualized plan of study and formation on an Alternative Path or Total Ministry Path, should confirm the completion of required formational work. The Diocesan Commission on Ministry Liaison will also be asked to attest to the readiness of the Candidate for ordination. Canon III.6.5(i) 2. Communication with the Bishop: The Candidate will continue to communicate with the Bishop four times a year, in the Ember Weeks, reflecting on the Candidate's academic, diaconal, human, spiritual and practical development. Canon III.6.5(h) 3. Transcripts for academic work completed during the formation process should be sent to the Office of the Bishop. 4. Competency: Regardless of the path of formation, subject areas for study and demonstration of competence will include: Canon III.6.5(f) a. Academic studies including: The Holy Scriptures, theology, and the tradition of the Church b. Diakonia and the Diaconate c. Human awareness and understanding d. Spiritual development and discipline e. Practical training and experience 5. Assessment: The Candidate will be asked to take a Diaconal Exam or complete an alternative form of assessment, as deemed appropriate by the Diocesan Commission on Ministry's Academic Committee. Results of this exam or assessment are reviewed by the Academic Committee, who may make further recommendations for preparations of the Candidate. 6. Ordination Forms and Application: Before the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee interviews the Candidate for Ordination, the following documents must have been received by the Office of the Bishop. Please check with the Diocesan Ordination Process Coordinator for a complete list of currently required forms and deadlines for submittal. a. The Application For Ordination To The Diaconate* - Candidate's Application Canon III.6.6(b) b. Evidence from the Office of the Bishop of the dates of admission to Postulancy and Candidacy Canon III.6.6(b.3) c. An Endorsement Of Ordination To the Diaconate* from the Member of the Clergy in Charge and Vestry (or comparable body) of 10

11 the home/sponsoring congregation recommending the Candidate for ordination. Canon III.6.6(b.2) 7. Ordination Interview with the DCOM: The Diocesan Commission on Ministry will interview the Candidate and make its recommendation for ordination to the Bishop and the Standing Committee. Canon III.6.6(b.5) 8. Ordination Interview with the Standing Committee: The Standing Committee will interview the Candidate and make its recommendation to the Bishop on the canonical form. Canon III.6.6(c) 9. Having all the required testimonies, approvals and recommendations in hand, the Bishop will set the time, date and place for the ordination and notify the Candidate, who is now designated an Ordinand. 10. Ordination Invitations: It is the custom for the Ordinand to send invitations to the clergy of the diocese and to lay members of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee, giving the time and place of the ordination. Check with the Diocesan Ordination Process Coordinator for information about invitations from the Office of the Bishop. 11. No Candidate will be ordained sooner than 18 months after the receipt, at the Office of the Bishop, of their written letter of acceptance of their Vestry's Nomination for Postulancy. Canon III.6(a.1) 12. Ordinands must be at least 24 years old at the time of their ordination. Canon III.6(a.2) 11

12 The Path Toward Ordination To The Priesthood Postulant! Candidate! Ordinand! Deacon! Priest Steps To Candidacy 1. Traditional Formation Path: A newly designated Postulant will consult with the Bishop regarding enrollment in a seminary approved by the Bishop. The primary avenue of study and formation will be completion of a Master of Divinity program at an Episcopal seminary or, if an M. Div. degree has been earned at a non- Episcopal seminary, the completion of a one- year Certificate in Anglican Studies at an Episcopal seminary. 2. Non- Traditional Formation Paths: In exceptional circumstances, theological study and formation may occur without enrollment in a seminary degree or certificate program. These non- traditional courses of preparation, which must be approved by the Bishop and the Commission on Ministry, are referred to as the Total Ministry Path and the Alternative Path. a. Those seeking ordination using the Total Ministry Path will need to be part of a Total Ministry Team. b. Approval Considerations for the Alternative Path: Financial hardship alone is not a factor in approving an Alternative Path; rather, in such instances financial assistance from the seminary, diocese or congregation should be sought. Factors that may be considered in approving a Postulant to pursue theological study and formation under the Alternative Path may include: i. The Postulant resides in a physically remote location and cannot leave for any extended time due to family or work obligations ii. The Postulant is seeking ordination for the purpose of serving his or her local congregation as a non- stipendiary priest and expects to financially support themselves from an independent source of income iii. The Postulant does not reside in a remote community, but is of senior years and is seeking ordination for the purpose of assisting the Rector of a medium or large- sized parish. c. Formation Plan: The Alternative Path and the Total Ministry Path both require the completion of an individualized formation plan. A Postulant will meet with the Bishop to develop a plan of theological study and formation. The Bishop may delegate the function of developing a plan of theological study and formation to the Diocesan 12

13 Commission on Ministry, which may perform this function through a subcommittee. i. Seminary faculty or others may be engaged to conduct an assessment of the Postulant s competence in the various canonically required areas of study. ii. The Postulant may be asked to take a sample General Ordination Exam as an assessment tool. iii. The plan of study and formation will provide for a mentoring priest who will assist the Postulant in pursuing the prescribed plan of study. iv. Formation may include independent study, completion of on- line or remote learning courses offered by a seminary, fieldwork and other learning and formation experiences to assure the development of competency in the areas of learning and skill- development required by Title III of The Constitution & Canons of The Episcopal Church. v. The plan of theological study and formation will be set forth in a written document and signed by the Bishop, the Postulant, the mentoring priest, and the chairperson of the Commission on Ministry on behalf of the Commission, signifying their assent to the plan. vi. The Commission on Ministry will evaluate (at least annually) the progress of the Postulant's formation. This evaluation may be done by a subcommittee of the Commission, or by individual members of that subcommittee, and their assessment will be reported to the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Bishop in writing. 3. Competency: Regardless of the path of formation, subject areas for study and demonstration of competence will include: Canon III.8.5(g) a. The Holy Scriptures - A Bible content exam may be required b. Church History, including the Ecumenical Movement c. Christian Theology, including Missionary Theology and Missiology d. Christian Ethics and Moral Theology e. Studies in contemporary society, including the historical and contemporary experience of racial and minority groups, and cross- cultural ministry skills f. Liturgics and Church Music; Christian Worship and Music according to the contents and use of The Book of Common Prayer and The Hymnal, and authorized supplemental texts - A Book of Common Prayer content exam may be required. 13

14 g. Theory and practice of ministry, including leadership, and the ministries of evangelism and stewardship h. The development of pastoral skills through completion of a course of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or an equivalent experience approved by the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and Bishop i. Competence in a second language sufficient to conduct a liturgy in that language so as to be easily understood by a native speaker. This requirement may be met by the completion of an intensive language school course, a college- level semester of study, or by demonstration and certification by a person fluent in the second language. j. Training in prevention of sexual misconduct; civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse; The Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof; and the Church s teaching on racism. Canon III.8.5(h) 4. DCOM Liaison: The Postulant and Diocesan Commission on Ministry Liaison will maintain frequent (preferably monthly) contact. Postulants are particularly requested to communicate any change in their circumstances that may impact their process of education and formation. 5. Communication with the Bishop: The Postulant will communicate with the Bishop four times a year at Ember Weeks. The purpose of these communications is to inform the Bishop of the Postulant s academic experience and personal and spiritual development. Copies of written communications may be sent to the Diocesan Commission on Ministry Liaison at the Postulant s discretion. Canon III.8.5(i) 6. Diocesan Commission on Ministry: The Diocesan Commission on Ministry will interview the Postulant as needed and make recommendations regarding the Postulant s preparation. Canon III.8.5(j) 7. Clinical Pastoral Education: The Postulant will complete an appropriate clinical training program agreed upon by the Bishop and the Diocesan Commission on Ministry, which may be an accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. Final certification and evaluations should be sent to the Office of the Bishop. 8. Candidacy Interview: Prior to the final year of the prescribed program for theological study, the Postulant is interviewed by the Diocesan Commission on Ministry. They will evaluate his or her fitness for candidacy. At that time, the Diocesan Commission on Ministry will make a recommendation to the Bishop and Standing Committee regarding designation as a Candidate. This decision is based upon the Postulant s successful progress to date in completing the plan of theological study and formation for the priesthood and supported by the written evaluations of those overseeing the Postulant's formation plan. If recommended for candidacy by the Diocesan Commission 14

15 on Ministry, the Postulant will then be interviewed by the Standing Committee for its approval and recommendation to the Bishop. Canon III 8.6(d) 9. Candidacy Forms and Application: Before the Candidacy Interview with the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee, the Postulant must file an Application For Admission To Candidacy - Postulant's Application* form and obtain an Endorsement Of Candidacy For Holy Orders* form from the Member of the Clergy in Charge and the Vestry (or comparable body) of the home congregation and send it to the Bishop as required by the Canons. Canon III 8.6(c). Please check with the Diocesan Ordination Process Coordinator for a complete list of currently required forms and deadlines for submittal. 10. The Bishop, upon the recommendation of the DCOM and Standing Committee may then designate the Postulant as a Candidate for Holy Orders and will notify the Candidate of this designation. 11. It is the policy in our diocese that the time between designation as a Candidate for Holy Orders and Ordination be a minimum of six months, preferably longer. Steps To The Transitional Diaconate 1. Completion of Education/Formation: The Candidate should successfully complete the Master of Divinity degree program of the seminary attended or an equivalent formation path approved by the Bishop. Completion of work should be confirmed by the seminary through the middler evaluation sent to the Bishop and by the awarding of the appropriate degree or certificate. With regard to Candidate's progressing on an Alternative Path or a Total Ministry Path, the mentoring priests and the persons performing the regular evaluations on behalf of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry should provide written assessments of the Candidate s readiness for ordination. Canon III.8.5(j) 2. Communication with the Bishop: The Candidate will continue to communicate with the Bishop four times a year at Ember Weeks. The purpose of these communications is to inform the Bishop of the Candidate s academic experience and personal and spiritual development. Canon III.8.5(i) 3. The Diocesan Commission on Ministry Liaison will also be asked to attest to the readiness of the Candidate for ordination. Canon III.8.6(c.5) 4. Transcripts for academic work completed during the formation process should be sent to the Office of the Bishop. 15

16 5. Assessment: The Candidate may be required to take the General Ordination Examination (GOE). If proficiency in any of the seven canonical areas of study is deemed lacking based upon the GOE or otherwise, the Academic Committee of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry may review the GOE answers (or other assessment tool) and recommend further work to show competency. Upon satisfactory completion of any further work required, the Academic Committee will inform the Diocesan Commission on Ministry of the Candidate s readiness for ordination. 6. Ordination Forms and Application: Before the Candidate is interviewed/evaluated for ordination by the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee, the following documents must be received by the Office of the Bishop. Please check with the Diocesan Ordination Process Coordinator for a complete list of currently required forms and deadlines for submittal. a. The Application For Ordination To The Diaconate* - Candidate's Application. Canon III.8.6(c.1) b. Evidence of the dates of admission to Postulancy and candidacy. Canon III.8.6(c.3) c. The form Endorsement Of Ordination To the Diaconate* from the Member of the Clergy in Charge and Vestry (or comparable body) of the home congregation recommending the Candidate for ordination. This must be signed by two- thirds of the Vestry or similar body. Canon III.8.6(c.2) 7. Ordination Interview with the DCOM: The Diocesan Commission on Ministry will evaluate and possibly interview the Candidate and make its recommendation for ordination to the Bishop and the Standing Committee. Canon III.8.6(c.5) 8. Ordination Interview with the Standing Committee: The Standing Committee will interview the Candidate and make its recommendation to the Bishop on the canonical form. Canon III.8.6(d) 9. Having all the required testimonies, approvals and recommendations in hand, the Bishop will set the time, date and place for the ordination and notify the Candidate, who is now designated an Ordinand. 10. Ordination Invitations: It is the custom for the Ordinand to send invitations to the clergy of the diocese and to lay members of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee, giving the time and place of the ordination. Check with the Diocesan Ordination Process Coordinator for information about invitations from the Office of the Bishop. 11. No Candidate will be ordained sooner than 18 months after the receipt, at the Office of the Bishop, of their written letter of acceptance of their Vestry's Nomination for Postulancy. Canon III.8.7(a.1) 16

17 12. Ordinands must be at least 24 years old at the time of their ordination. Canon III.8.7(a.2) Steps To The Priesthood 1. A Candidate must first be ordained to the diaconate prior to being ordained to the priesthood and must serve as a deacon for a minimum of six months. Canon III.8.7 (a.1) 2. Priest- supervisor: The Bishop will assign the newly ordained transitional deacon to a priest- supervisor. For the duration of the transitional diaconate, the priest- supervisor oversees the deacon s spiritual, liturgical and professional development. A written recommendation from the supervisor to the Bishop is required at the conclusion of one year, or shorter period of time, if determined by the Bishop. 3. Transitional Deacon Experience: The transitional deacon should review and follow the guidelines outlined by the Archdeacon in the document, The Transitional Deacon Experience*. 4. Ordination to Priesthood Forms and Application: The Deacon will send an Application For Ordination To The Priesthood* to the Bishop. The Member of the Clergy in Charge and Vestry (or comparable body) of the congregation to which the Deacon is assigned will certify approval for ordination to the priesthood, using the form Endorsement Of Ordination To The Priesthood*, and signed by two- thirds of it's members. Canon III.8.7(b.1) & Canon III.8.7(b.2). Please check with the Diocesan Ordination Process Coordinator for a complete list of currently required forms and deadlines for submittal. 5. Ordination to Priesthood Interviews: The Diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee may interview the Deacon before making a recommendation to the Bishop using the form prescribed in the canons. Canon III.8.7(b.5) and Canon III.8.7(c) 6. When all requirements have been satisfactorily completed, the Bishop will arrange for ordination to the priesthood. 7. Ordination Invitations: It is the custom for the Deacon to send invitations to the clergy of the diocese and to lay members of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee giving the time and place of ordination. Check with the Diocesan Ordination Process Coordinator for information about invitations from the Office of the Bishop. All references to Canons in this text are from: Constitution &. Canons. Together with the Rules of Order for the Government of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, otherwise known as The Episcopal Church. Adopted and Revised in General Convention, , 2012, New York, New York, Church Publishing Incorporated. 17