First Edition - June 2025
Introduction
The following document exists to provide an overview of the process for the education of and conferral of minor orders upon seminarians of the Ordinariate who pursue the process outlined in Chapter 7.2.A of the Canonical Norms. This process may be adapted, as needed, for individuals previously ordained outside of a body possessing apostolic succession, or to supplement the education of those previously ordained in a body possessing apostolic succession as a part of the incardination process.
Phase 1
The seminarian will, under the direction of their pastor, the vocations director, and the Ordinary develop a Rule of Life. To facilitate this, education will be provided on the basic spiritual tenants of work, study, prayer, and family life, and will be introduced in specific to the spirituality of the Daily Office.
At the conclusion of this phase, the seminarian participates in the Rite of Tonsure, and is obligated to keep their Rule of Life, including the offering of the Daily Office.
Phase 2
The seminarian will complete coursework in the following topical range:
- Survey of the Sacred Scriptures
- Survey of Christian Doctrine
- Survey of Christian History
At the conclusion of this phase, the seminarian's rule of life is reviewed and updated, and they are elevated to the Minor Order of Porter.
Phase 3
The seminarian will complete coursework in the following topical range:
- Intercessory Prayer
- Pastoral Counseling
- Catechetical Instruction
At the conclusion of this phase, the seminarian's Rule of Life is reviewed and updated, and they are elevated to the Minor Order of Intercessor.
Phase 4
The seminarian will complete coursework in the following topical range:
- The Gospels, Acts, and Revelation
- Liturgical Theology
- Clinical Pastoral Education
At the conclusion of this phase, the seminarian's Rule of Life is reviewed and updated, and they are elevated to the Minor Order of Acolyte.
Phase 5
The seminarian will complete coursework in the following topical range:
- The New Testament Epistles
- Introduction to Homiletics
- The Theology of the Creeds and of the Old Catholic Confessions of Faith
At the conclusion of this phase, the seminarian's Rule of Life is reviewed and updated, and they are elevated to the Minor Order of Lector.
Phase 6
The seminarian will complete coursework in the following topical range:
- The Old Testament
- Moral Theology and Ethics
- Capstone Project (scope and content determined by the vocations director and the Ordinary)
At the conclusion of this phase, the seminarian's Rule of Life is reviewed and updated, and they are elevated to the Minor Order of Subdeacon.
Phase 7
The seminarian will complete coursework in the following topical range:
- Advanced Homiletics
- Advanced Pastoral Counseling
- Liturgical Practicum - Daily Office, Baptism, Matrimony, and Burial
At the conclusion of this phase, the seminarian's Rule of Life is reviewed and updated, and the Standard Examination for Diaconal Ordination is administered. Upon successful completion of the examination, the individual becomes a candidate for ordination as a Deacon.
Phase 8
The deacon (or candidate for diaconal ordination) will complete coursework in the following topical range:
- Liturgical Practicum - The Mass, Chrismation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick