The Diaconate
Candidacy to Ordination
Candidacy is the final phase before ordination. It is a time during which you can continue your self-examination and complete the educational requirements for ordination. The Bishop may assign you to an internship in any congregation in the Diocese. Also at his discretion, he may remove you from the ordination process.
The Standing Committee meets the Postulant for the first time when it interviews him or her for Candidacy. Additional meetings with the Standing Committee and Commission on Ministry are optional and at the discretion of the respective committee and the Bishop. Both groups will review your paperwork and evaluations and then make a recommendation regarding ordination to the Bishop.
You must be at least 24 years old before ordination. The Bishop will make the final judgment as to your call and capabilities.
The following diocesan and canonical requirements will be fulfilled during the phase of Candidacy.
1. Ember Letters written to the Bishop. Ember Days are traditionally observed on the Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays after the 1st Sunday in Lent, the Day of Pentecost, Holy Cross Day (Sept. 14th) and December 13th. These letters should let the Bishop know what you are doing and how you are doing, particularly in these areas: academic, diaconal, human, spiritual and practical development. The letter is also an opportunity to discuss any particular issues you have in mind. You may send the letter via e-mail to the Bishop who will be the only one to read it.
2. The Commission on Ministry liaison will continue to communicate with you.
3. Safeguarding God's Children is training in the prevention of child sexual abuse. The course is offered at larger churches and online. Training may be taken at any time during your preparation for the diaconate, the earlier the better, but must be completed before you are ordained.
4. Prevention of Adult Sexual Misconduct Training is also offered online.
5. Anti-Racism Training may be offered through the diocese, province or your seminary.
6. Reporting Abuse. The 2006 General Convention added another item for required training: "civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse." This information may be covered in relevant BKSM pastoral care classes. If that is not the case, contact the Ordination Officer and other arrangements will be made.
7. Training in the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church with emphasis on the disciplinary canons (Title IV of the canons of the Episcopal Church) will be offered by the Chancellor upon request, if not offered through BKSM.
8. The Diaconal Exam. The five areas that the canons require a deacon to be prepared in are: Academic studies, including Holy Scriptures, theology and the tradition of the Church; diakonia and the diaconate; human awareness and understanding; spiritual development and discipline and practical training and experience. [Title III, Canon 6, Sec. 3 (b), Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church]
9. Your rector will write a summary of your educational progress and spiritual development to this point. In preparation for that report, it is helpful to him/her if you can compile a list of your educational accomplishments and where you are in your spiritual development. That summary is sent to the Ordination Officer.
10. If the medical exam, psychological exam or background check is more than three years old by the time of your ordination, you will need to redo it before you can be ordained. The diocese will pick up the cost of the background check. You are responsible for the medical exam. The diocese and parish will share with you the cost of the psychological exam. Send all forms to the attention of the Ordination Officer.
11. Random drug screen. You may be asked to take a drug test before ordination.
12. When the above have been completed and after receiving a favorable report of the Diaconal Exam, you may send your Application for Ordination (PDF) Form D-38. The letter should include a statement that you do not intend to apply for ordination to the priesthood.
13. Priest and vestry endorsement for the diaconate. At a regular meeting of the vestry, the members will consider your application for the diaconate. The Vestry and Priest Endorsement Form D-39 (PDF) must be signed by at least 2/3 of the members of the vestry and by your rector or priest-in-charge.
14. At this point, you may schedule an appointment with the Bishop. The Ordination Officer can help you set up the meeting.
15. If the Commission on Ministry feels they need to meet with you, you will be sent an invitation.
16. A final written assessment of your readiness for ordination will be prepared as determined by the Bishop in consultation with the COM and sent to the Standing Committee.
17. If the Standing Committee feels they need to meet with you, you will be sent an invitation. When the Standing Committee has received the above assessments and has been assured that you have fulfilled all of the requirements for ordination, they will make a recommendation regarding ordination to the Bishop. Normally, you do not need to be present at that meeting.
18. The Bishop will communicate with you regarding ordination. All diocesan clergy and lay members of the Standing Committee and Commission on Ministry should be invited to your ordination. These invitations may be sent electronically and can be coordinated by the Diocesan Office.
NOTE: Setting a date and place for the ordination is the sole prerogative of the Bishop, although he may choose, if possible, to take into account your concerns and that of the congregation in which you will serve. If a tentative ordination date is set, no announcements may be made nor invitations sent until the Standing Committee has given its consent and the Bishop agrees to the ordination.
The Bishop will provide you with an Ordination Customary to assist in liturgical planning.
