WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE ORDINARIATE?
The primary mission of the Ordinariate is to provide support, nurture, and oversight to chaplains, community ministers, and other non-traditional ministries within the Old Catholic tradition. While firmly rooted in the Old Catholic faith, the clergy and communities of the Ordinariate seek to be ecumenically, culturally, and situationally sensitive in providing for the spiritual, sacramental, and material needs of those we serve, with a particular emphasis on connecting with those who, for whatever reason, feel disconnected from Christ and the experience of Church. As such, we seek to serve Christ and others through the provision of ministry in situations which may otherwise go underserved or unserved by others. Ministry in healthcare centers, prisons, among the homeless and less fortunate, and the homebound serve as the principal focal point for the Ordinariate.
HOW DOES THE ORDINARIATE FIT INTO OLD CATHOLICISM?
The Ordinariate does not seek to replicate a traditional Old Catholic diocese. Few jurisdictions exist that are specifically rooted in the support of non-parochial ministries. As a result, there are times when those serving in chaplaincies, street ministries, shelters, etc., perceive a lack of understanding concerning the nature of their ministry, challenges in seeking episcopal and collegial collaboration, or a sensed pressure to conform to a more traditional model of ministry. While not opposed to sponsoring parochial clergy and congregations, the focus of the Ordinariate is to empower all clergy to embrace their environment of ministry as worthy and valid, and to support them on their journey.
HOW IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STRUCTURED?
The Ordinariate is led by a bishop, consecrated in Apostolic Succession, ensuring sacramental validity from an Old Catholic perspective. The leadership model, however, is intentionally collaborative, and invites the full participation of all members of the Ordinariate in the development, deliberation, and endorsement of organizational action.
HOW ARE LOCAL MINISTRIES STRUCTURED?
Each cleric of the Ordinariate forms a central Ministry, from which several missions may extend. This could be as simple as an individual serving as a full-time chaplain, to as diverse as someone serving as a chaplain, leading services at a nursing facility, offering counseling, and engaging in homeless ministry. More traditional congregational ministries may be served by clergy, or a congregation may develop out of the Ministry led by the cleric. This includes the incorporation of a ministry model known as the Expanded Parish, which combines in-person and electronic connection to foster the faith life of an assembly that, while being geographically proximate, may be unable to self-sustain or may experience other challenges and barriers to assembling in a more traditional manner.
WHO MAY BECOME A MEMBER?
At this time, membership in the Ordinariate is open to any deacon or presbyter ordained in verifiable lines of apostolic succession. Individuals in formation for Holy Orders may also join as Seminarians, and lay ministers are invited to inquire as well.
WHAT KIND OF EDUCATION SHOULD CLERGY POSSESS?
Incoming members are expected to possess sufficient knowledge, skill, and discipline to fulfil the role to which they aspire. This is generally obtained through the acquisition of a Master of Divinity or similar degree. However, recognizing the variety of educational methods employed in the Old Catholic tradition, each applicant will be reviewed on an individual basis. If found necessary, additional coursework on matters central to Old Catholic theology and practice may be requested ahead of ordination or reception.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS LIKE?
Those seeking to join the Ordinariate must complete an application form, submit to a criminal background check, present a current curriculum viate, a summary of their education (with transcripts), and (if married) a letter of consent and support from their spouse.
HOW MIGHT EXISTING CLERGY INCARDINATE WITH THE ORDINARIATE?
In addition to the preceding requirements, existing clergy seeking to incardinate must present proof of ordination in Apostolic Succession and possess letters dimissory from their previous Ordinary prior to their incardination with the Ordinariate. Should one or the other (or both) be unavailable for good reason, the Ordinary will confer with the Presbyterium to determine next steps.
DOES THE ORDINARIATE HAVE SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS ON ORDINATION?
Any baptized, chrismated/confirmed Christian who has completed or is willing to complete the proper education and engage in an active ministry may be ordained to the diaconate within the Ordinariate. At this time, for pragmatic purposes, the Ordinariate ordains only men to the presbyterate. A diversity of viewpoints exist on this matter in the Christian world, and each member of the Ordinariate is free to hold to their own opinions and conduct their own local ministry in keeping with their conscience.
DOES THE ORDINARIATE PERMIT DUAL AFFILLIATION?
In certain instances, the Ordinariate is open to considering requests for dual affiliation of clerics in apostolic succession when such an arrangement will assist the cleric in obtaining, maintaining, or developing non-traditional ministries. All requests will be individually considered, and the terms of affiliation may look different in varying situations.
WHAT LITURGY DOES THE ORDINARIATE MAKE USE OF?
The Ordinariate will publish common rites for the celebration of the Sacraments and the Divine Office, together with a Calendar and Lectionary geared towards those serving in non-traditional ministries. Clergy may, with the permission of the Ordinary, opt for other rites in specific circumstances where they may be more appropriate or suitable. Noble simplicity will be the hallmark of the Ordinariate’s liturgical texts, ensuring that all – clergy and laity – are able to readily comprehend what we are doing, why we are doing it, and what our actions teach us about what we believe.
WHAT IS THE ORDINARIATE'S POSITION ON EUCHARISTIC HOSPITALITY?
Ministries associated with Ordinariate agree, in the celebration of the Eucharist, to invite all baptized Christians who are sincerely repentant of their sins, and who believe Christ to be present in the Sacrament of the Eucharist to receive. Whenever possible, the Eucharist is administered in both kinds, separately, to all who seek to receive.
WHAT IS THE ORDINARIATE'S POSITION ON MATRIMONY?
Following Jesus' normative model (Matthew 19:5-6), the Sacrament of Matrimony is solemnized via the Nuptial Blessing for couples consisting of one man and one woman who intend to be joined together in a permanent bond that is open to the conception of new life.
HOW DOES THE ORDINARIATE VIEW ANNULMENTS AND DIVORCE?
In general, grounds for annulment include circumstances that existed at the time of the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony, rendering it invalid from the start. These include bigamy, fraud, duress, lack of capacity, being under the legal age of marriage, and inability or unwillingness to engage in sexual relations. Additional grounds would include abuse of any form and abandonment, both behaviors which are often masked prior to the conferral of the Nuptial Blessing. Following the practice of the Eastern Orthodox Church, we also recognize the provision for offering Ecclesiastical Divorce in the Church in situations where remaining in a marriage for other reasons would cause irreparable harm to one or both parties. The process must be simple, straightforward, and free.
WHAT IS THE ORDINARIATE'S POSITION ON HUMAN SEXUALITY?
Human gender and sexuality are essential components of personal identity. We condemn all discrimination against the LGBT community, we oppose all efforts in the part of government to restrict the rights, freedoms, and privileges of LGBT citizens, and we expect our clergy to respond with genuine care and concern to the expressed needs of those receiving their pastoral care.
HOW DO YOUR CLERGY APPROACH MARRIAGE AMONG DIVORCEES OR INDIVIDUALS OF THE SAME GENDER?
We believe provision should be made for the faithful to have their committed, civilly-recognized relationships blessed by the Church, recognizing that God's loving-care is available to all.
WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WHO JOINS THE ORDINARIATE?
The Ordinariate seeks to operate with priority given to the local ministry as opposed to an institutional structure. While applicants/candidates are asked to fund their own expenses for the process, there are no membership dues or fees. Whenever common gatherings occur, or common needs arise, the need will be made known, and members asked to provide what they can or to pay their own travel expenses. The Ordinariate provides no remuneration to its Ordinary or clergy, though local ministries may provide a salary/stipend as available.
ARE THERE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES TO YOUR ORDINARIATE?
The Ordinariate provides episcopal oversight exclusively within the United States of America. At this time, for the sake of practicality, any parish seeking to form within the Ordinariate or to incardinate must be located within an eight hour drive of Indianapolis, Indiana.