The Diaconate

Postulancy to Candidacy

A postulant is a person who has been recommended by the Commission on Ministry (COM) and accepted by the Bishop to begin the formal process which could lead to ordination. Postulancy is a learning time. The postulant will continue with his/her academic and spiritual programs under the direction of the local priest. There is no set length for postulancy. The actual length depends upon the postulant's experience and/or academic work to be completed and any recommendations by the COM and/or the Bishop. From this point on, the person aspiring to Holy Orders may be removed from the process at the sole discretion of the Bishop.

The following canonical requirements will be fulfilled during the phase of Postulancy.

1. Ember Letters.  The canons of the church require that Ember Letters be written to the Bishop. He will be the only one who reads the letter. 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, how you are doing, and what studies you have undertaken. They may also be a way to discuss any particular issues you have in mind. The letters may be sent electronically. Copies should be sent to Ordination Officer who will not read them but place a copy in your file.

2. The Commission on Ministry will assign you a liaison for continued communication and support in your discernment.

3. Education/Spiritual Formation.  You begin the formal education for the diaconate. The Kemper School has a two-year program to cover the required subjects. The program will include academic studies (scriptures, theology and the tradition of the Church), the diaconate, human awareness and understanding, spiritual development and discipline, practical training and experience (Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, Title III, Canon 6. Sec. 3, b). It is recommended that a postulant seek a spiritual director.

The Educational/Spiritual Formation Program form D-16 (PDF) lets the bishop and the Commission on Ministry know how you plan to get the education you need and what your Rule of Life will be. A Rule of Life indicates a regular prayer and worship pattern, study and outreach.

4. Report from Priest. The supervising priest will report to the Bishop and the COM regarding your progress in your spiritual and educational programs.

5. Vestry and Priest Endorsement. The priest and vestry of your parish at a regularly scheduled meeting will consider your application for Candidacy. They may or may not desire to meet with you in person. They will complete and sign the Vestry and Priest Endorsement Form D-18 (PDF) and send it to the Ordination Officer. The form needs to be signed by 2/3 of the members of the vestry and by the rector or priest-in-charge

6. Application for Candidacy.  You will complete and sign the Application for Candidacy (PDF) Form D-19. It should be sent to the President of the Standing Committee. Also send a copy to the Ordination Officer for your file.

7. Updates. You will need to update your Spiritual Autobiography and Social History. This update should include copies of any pertinent certificates, etc. These should be submitted to the Ordination Officer and will be shared with the Chair of the Commission on Ministry. These updates should be done no more than six months before each interview by the COM.

8. Interview with the Bishop. At this point you will schedule an interview with the bishop. You will need at least a month's (two months in the summer) lead time to make the appointment. The Ordination Officer can assist you in setting up the appointment.

9. Commission on Ministry Interview.  The COM will schedule a Candidacy interview with you. The COM may recommend that you spend some more time in the discernment process before recommending you for Candidacy.  After the interview, the COM will make its recommendation regarding Candidacy to the bishop.

10. Standing Committee.  If the bishop agrees with the COM recommendation, then you will be invited for a meeting with the Standing Committee. Their meetings are held at various times and points around the state.

11. SC Recommendation.  After its interview, the Standing Committee will make its recommendation to the bishop.

12. The Bishop will inform the postulant by letter as to whether or not he/she has been approved for candidacy.