Individuals who discern a call to ordained ministry within the Old Catholic Ordinariate for Specialized Ministries are invited to begin a conversation with the Bishop Ordinary.
Formation for ministry in the Ordinariate seeks to prepare the whole person—spiritually, pastorally, intellectually, and personally—for the particular forms of ministry to which God may be calling them.
Because individuals approach the Church from many different circumstances, formation plans are developed individually and may take into account prior education, ministerial experience, and life situation.
Those discerning a vocation to ordained ministry are encouraged to review the Norms Concerning Vocational Formation (found at this link), which outline the principles guiding preparation for ministry within the Ordinariate.
Beginning the Conversation
The first step in exploring formation is an initial conversation with the Bishop Ordinary.
Inquiries may be submitted using the contact form located in the right sidebar of this page. After an initial conversation, individuals may be invited to submit a formal application for formation.
Discernment of vocation is approached prayerfully and carefully, seeking to recognize both the individual’s calling and the needs of the Church.
Expectations for Formation
The Ordinariate accepts applications for formation from individuals aged 21 or over who reside in the United States and its territories.
Formation ordinarily includes:
- Spiritual formation and discernment
- Academic study appropriate to the candidate’s vocation
- Pastoral formation and ministerial experience
- Consideration of the personal and psychological demands of ministry
Because clergy of the Ordinariate typically serve in bi-vocational or specialized ministries, formation pathways may be adapted to the circumstances of each candidate.
Financial Considerations
The Ordinariate does not subsidize educational expenses for candidates for ordination, though it may assist individuals in identifying appropriate programs of study or training.
A Note on Discernment
The Ordinariate takes seriously both the desire of individuals to serve and the responsibility to prepare clergy carefully for ministry. For this reason, formation is approached with patience and mutual discernment.