During postulancy

 

Postulancy is the time between nomination and candidacy and may initiate the formal preparation for ordination. Postulancy involves continued exploration of and decision about the postulant’s call to the Vocational Diaconate or Priesthood.

There is no prescribed duration of postulancy. It must be substantial enough to satisfy the requirements to apply for candidacy and to provide the Commission on Ministry and seminary, School of Deacons, or alternative formation program with sufficient experience and data to assess the postulant’s suitability for candidacy.

Formation plan

Postulants must obtain the bishop’s approval of the seminary or other school which they hope to attend as described in their education plan, or as formulated with an assessment committee.

For aspirants to the diaconate, the Diocese recommends a program of study at the School for Deacons. For those with previous theological training, the School for Deacons will perform an assesment to tailor the program appropriatly.

For aspirants to the priesthood, the traditional plan is a Master of Divinity degree, though church canons do not require it. An alternative formation plan addressing the required canonical areas may be more appropriate.

For aspirants with an existing graduate degree in theology or a related discipline, ordination in another tradition, or substantive work as a chaplain or other lay religious professional, a Master of Divinity degree may not be the most appropriate vehicle for formation and discernment. Upon admition to postulancy, they will be asked to assess their background in conversation with a representative of the Commission on Ministry, the Vocations Officer and an advisor. This group will submit their recommendations to the bishop, who makes the final determination of what the formation plan will entail.

 

Throughout this phase, the postulant must:

Submit Ember Letters

From postulancy through ordination, ember letters are submitted quarterly to the bishop and logged by the vocations office. Ember letters allow for regular communication from the person in process to the bishop reflecting on their spiritual, intellectual and personal growth. Submit letters and see the liturgical schedule for Ember Weeks. Ember letters are due on Saturday of the Ember Week. The bishop reads, but does not necessarily reply, to ember letters.

Continue LDC Meetings

The postulant will continue meeting with the LDC on a regular basis as determined appropriate by the clergy in charge, postulant and LDC. A good guideline is about once a quarter.

Participate in Spiritual Formation

Postulants participate in regular spiritual formation groups as directed by the seminary or formation program. Postulants for the vocational diaconate must participate in a group facilitated by the School for Deacons.

Arrange Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

  • Clinical Pastoral Education provides practical pastoral training for aspiring clergy in a multi-faith context to provide supervised pastoral care for people in crisis. CPE also provides structures for theological reflection and peer learning, equipping faith leaders to be self-aware in their future pastoral encounters.
  • Postulants should arrange their pastoral training as early as possible during their postulancy. The COM liaison and vocations office, as well as the seminary, can assist in finding a suitable program. Once a program has been identified, to formally request your site.
  • Postulants preparing for the priesthood are required to complete 300 hours of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
  • Postulants for the Vocational Diaconate are required to complete 120 hours of CPE or some other form of approved pastoral training.

Participate in Field Education Placement

12 months of field education are required. Guidelines may be set by the seminary or School for Deacons. Field education should broaden and deepen the postulant’s experience of the church and should not take place in the postulant’s sponsoring congregation. The Commission on Ministry, vocations office and seminary or formation program can assist in find a suitable site and supervisor. Once a site has been identified, to make a formal request to the bishop and vocations office.

Intern Year Alternative: One intern year may be substituted for the two-year field education requirement.

Preparation for Candidacy

Review the requirements during candidacy, especially mandated trainings, and begin to work on those and/or anticipate the need of scheduling them.

* No Guarantee of Holy Orders: Postulancy is a period in which the individual and the Church are involved in mutual discernment of a vocation to Holy Orders. Postulancy does not automatically guarantee Candidacy for Holy Orders. Those moving into Candidacy must have clearly demonstrated gifts for ministry and the Church must have a clearly defined need for the skills and gifts offered by those seeking Orders.