Ordination to the Priesthood Chart

After at least eighteen months from the time of written acceptance of nomination by the Nominee and upon attainment of at least twenty-four years of age, a person may be ordained deacon or transitional deacon.

Title III, Canon 6, Section 6a.

I think I’m called to ordained ministry. How do I begin?

  • Work with your priest or rector to form a discernment committee in your parish. The Commission on Ministry (COM) can help! Please contact the Ven. Aaron Perkins.
  • Use the discernment curriculum 
  • Work of the discernment committee takes at least 6 months

 

I’ve decided to pursue ordained ministry. What’s next?

  • Request that your vestry or bishop’s committee nominate you for postulancy
  • Fill out the postulancy application
  • Submit letters of support from your vestry and priest with your application
  • Complete a psychological assessment and background check
  • Make an appointment with the bishop
  • Meet with the Commission on Ministry (COM) to request to be admitted as a postulant

The bishop has admitted me as a postulant. Now I study, right?

  • Decide with the Commission on Ministry (COM) on appropriate clinical pastoral experience (CPE), field study, and education options
  • Receive a COM companion
  • Education generally takes 3 years to complete

I’m halfway through my education. What do I need to do now?

  • Complete the application for candidacy which includes an academic evaluation and recommendation
  • Submit letters of support from your vestry and priest with your application
  • Complete a CPE report with your supervisor (if completed)
  • Obtain transcripts of academic work
  • Submit a field education report from you and your supervisor
  • Provide certifications (with dates) for Safe Church (A), Court Mandated Reporting (B), Title IV, Anti-Racism training
  • After applying and providing necessary documents, your candidacy will be approved or not through a required meeting with The Standing Committee

I’m a candidate. What are the next steps?

  • Complete the application to the transitional diaconate here that includes recommendation from seminary or your alternate education source
  • Provide evidence of successful completion of GOE or equivalent
  • Make an appointment with the bishop and the diocesan transition officer to discuss placement options as a transitional deacon and then priest
  • Complete your Office of Transition Ministry (OTM) Portfolio
  • Make sure all previous submitted materials are still current

I’m prepared. I’ve spent a period of at least 6 months as a Transitional Deacon. What are the final steps?

  • Apply for ordination to the priesthood
  • Submit letters of support from your vestry and priest with the application
  • Note that your ordination date will be set with input from the bishop, sponsoring parish or cathedral, and the ordinand (that’s you!)