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 priest.

According to Title III, Canon 6, Section 7a.

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
  • Create a profile on the Vocation Hub. Please contact Lauralee Raymond and copy the Rev. Suzanne Roberts so that she can connect you with the staff person at The Episcopal Church (TEC) who oversees this process.
  • 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!)