UpdatedMarch,2019

MANUAL FOR PRIESTHOOD

Ordination Information Episcopal Diocese of Maryland

ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD: DISCERNMENT AND FORMATION INTRODUCTION

IntheBookofCommonPrayerduringtheexaminationofallcandidatesforthepriesthoodtheBishopsaysthesewords,“Youaretoloveandservethepeopleamongwhomyouwork,caringalikeforyoungandold,strongandweak,richandpoor.”IntheDioceseofMarylandourmissionistobeacommunityoflove.Clergyleaderswhoareordainedaspriestshaveaparticularresponsibilitywithinthecommunityoffaithbothtonurtureandmodelthatlovewheretheyserve.Whetherapriestservesaparishchurch,astreetorhousechurch,aschoolorhospitalchapel,priestsarechargedwithcelebratingthesacramentalministriesofreconciliation,HolyBaptismandHolyEucharistassignsofGod’sloveforpeople.PriestsalsoofferGod’sblessingtothosewhomtheyserve,empoweringthembytheSpirittocarryChrist’sreconcilinglovetotheworld.BeingacommunityoflovebecomesamissionaryactioninthisdiocesewhenGod’speopleareequippedbythepriesttoloveGodandoneanother.

Q. Whatistheministryofapriestorpresbyter?

A. TheministryofapriestistorepresentChristandhisBody,theChurch,particularlyaspastortothepeoplewithinandoutsidethecommunitiesoffaith;tosharewiththebishopintheoverseeingoftheChurch;topreachtheGospel;toadministertheSacramentsoftheNewCovenant,especiallyBaptismandEucharist;andtoblessanddeclarepardoninthenameofGod.

(AdaptedfromtheCatechism,BookofCommonPrayerpage856)

Withinthehistoricthree-foldordainedministryoftheChurch;ofdeacons,priestsandbishops,thepriest(orpresbyter)ismostcloselyassociatedwiththesacramentalministriesoftheChurch,aswellassharingwiththebishopintheoversightofChurch.Thismeansthatpriests,byvirtueoftheirpriesthood,areresponsiblefortheformationandnurtureofthecommunitygatheredaroundtheTable.

TherepresentationallanguageintheCatechism’sdefinitionunderscoresthepriest’sresponsibilitytomaketheredemptiveloveofChristknowntoalltheworld,throughpreaching,teaching,servingandwitnessing.Priestsnourishthepeopletheyservesacramentallyandpastorally,tostrengthenthemfortheirownministries,bothintheChurchandintheworldoutsidetheChurch’sdoors.

Priestssharewiththebishopinoverseeingtheministryandmissionofthedioceseandthewiderchurch.Priestsmayspecificallyserveoneormorecommunitiesoffaith,buttheirministryextendsmorebroadlyintodiocesanlife,aswellastoecumenicalandinterfaithcommunities.

Priestsundergoextensiveformation,andareexpectedtoundertakecontinuingeducationthroughouttheiractiveministries.Manypriestsserveprimarilyinministrysettingsotherthanacongregation(hospitals,schools,agencies,chaplaincies),buteverypriestis“resident”inacongregation.Somepriestsearntheirentirelivelihoodthroughservicetooneormorefaithcommunities;otherpriests(called“workerpriests”or“bi-vocational”)makemostoralloftheirlivelihoodoutsidethefaithcommunity.

Likeallordainedpeople,priestsareexpectedtoembodythepromisesoftheBaptismalCovenantwithintegrity,devotionandfaithfulnessaswellasothercharacteristicsofeffectiveordainedleadershipthattheCommissiononMinistryhasidentified.See“GeneralAttributesandQualitiesofOrdainedLeaders”,AppendixA.

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EARLY STEPS IN RESPONDING TO AN EXPERIENCE OF GOD’S CALL

PHASEONESTEPS:ExplorationandParish-levelDiscernment

1. Conversation(s)withthePriestwhooverseesthefaithcommunityinwhichtheseekerworships.Aseekerisanadultcommunicantingoodstandingwithacommitmenttoministryandthechurch.Thepriestmaydevelopaplan(readings,retreats,spiritualdirection,ExploringforMinistry,etc.)fortheseekerbeforeorafterameetingwiththeCanonforDiscernment.

2. MeetingwiththeCanonforDiscernment

TheCanonforDiscernmenttakesextensivenotes,includinganoutlineofnextstepsandbeginsafile.

SeekersendsrelevantLifeHistorymaterialforthefiletotheCanonforDiscernment.

3. FormationofaParishDiscernmentCommittee(PDC)whoarememberschosenbythepriestinconsultationwithseeker(mayinclude1-2non-parishmembersifappropriate)

PDCmembersmustbefaithfulinworship,knownforintegrityandmatureChristians.

4. PDC’spurposeistolistendeeply,askprobingquestions,andlisten/feelforthemovementoftheHolySpirit,toparticipateasoneoftheelementsintheextensivediscernmentprocess.SeeTheMINISTRYOFAPARISHDISCERNMENTCOMMITTEE(PDC)–AppendixB.

5. Ifinexperienced,PDCaredesignatedtrainersidentifiedbytheCOMandtheCanonforDiscernment,whoareavailableforongoingconsultationasneeded.

6. FinalReportofthePDCisanarrativeofthemeetings,conversations,prayerandBiblereflection.TheFinalReportissignedbythePDCandtheseeker.CopiesaresenttotheCanonforDiscernment,thePriestofthatcongregation,andtheWardensofthat(potentially)sponsoringcongregation.CaremustbetakeninsharingthePDCReportwiththeVestry,topreservetheprivacyoftheseeker.

PHASETWOSTEPS:DiocesanDiscernmentPrograms

2.1.InconsultationbetweentheCanonforDiscernment,priestandseeker,andrelevantothers,determinationismadeaboutnextstepsinfaithfulresponse.SeekermayapplyforExploringBaptismalMinistry(EBM),DiscerningOrdainedVocation(DOV)ormay,underguidanceofthePriestinthefaithcommunity,undertakeothertrainingand/orexplorediscerningavenues.

Atthispoint,theVestry/Wardens/Priestmay“nominate”theseekerforentryintofurtherdiscernmentatthediocesanlevel.

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Theusualpathofdiscernmentatthediocesanlevelisatwo-yearprocessthatbeginswithEBM.AtthediscretionoftheCanonforDiscernment,personswithrelevantpreviousexperienceindiscerningmaybeexemptedfromEBMandenrolldirectlyintoDOV.

2.2.ApplicationforEBMrequiresaletterofsupportfromthepriest,whomayalsorequestaletterofsupportfromtheVestry,alongwithotherapplicationmaterials.AttheconclusionofEBM,personsmeetagainwiththeCanonforDiscernmentandmembersoftheCOM,fordiscussionanddeterminationofnextsteps,whichmayormaynotincludeanapplicationtoDOV.

2.3.ApplicationforDOVrequiresVestryendorsement.TheVestrywillrelyonthePDC’sreportandonwhateverinterviewprocesstheychooseinordertoexercisetheirresponsibilityforsigningtheVestryendorsement.ItisduringDOVthatthecanonicalstepsofPsychologicalTestingandExam,MedicalExam,BackgroundCheck,SexOffenderRecordsCheck,ReferenceCheck,FormalcanonicalendorsementbytheVestry,andPriest’sEndorsementLetter(EL)areaccomplished.SeeattachedSPONSORINGPRIEST’SENDORSEMENTLETTER.

2.4.DuringDOV,asignificantparishinternshipisundertakenoverseveralmonthsatacongregationchosenfromthediocesanlistof“TeachingParishes”,wherethereisconfidencethattheclergyaregiftedwiththecharismofsupervision,thecongregationownsitsvocationasa“TeachingCongregation”,andthegeographicandcontextualrealitiesforanearly-stageinternshiparechallengingbutfavorable.

Abouthalf-waythroughthatparishinternship,thethreeDOVMentors(adeacon,a priestandalayperson)oftenwiththeCanonforDiscernment,intentionallyconferbytelephoneconferencewiththepriestofeachparishinternshipsiteastoprogress, problemsandanyfine-tuningthatmaybeneeded.

ForeachDOVInternship,thereisaparishlaycommitteeappointedfromthecongregation’smembership,toregularlymeetwithandgivefeedbacktotheDOVintern.ThereareotherspecificrequirementsabouttheDOVparishinternship(hourstobespent,numberofpreachingopportunities,pastoralvisits,otherexposureexperiences),allofwhicharedefinedanddiscussedwiththeDOVparticipantsattheirmonthlymeetings.TheparishlaycommitteeprovidesitsownreportattheconclusionoftheDOVparishinternship.

2.5.TheCanonforDiscernmentvisitseachoftheprograms(EBMandDOV)atleastonceduringtheprogramyear,andremainsincontactwiththementorsinbothprograms.

2.6.NeartheconclusionofDOV,thenomineemayapplyforPostulancy.FollowingameetingwiththeCanonforDiscernment,whoreviewsalldataandundertakesadditionalconversationsasappropriate,thenomineeMAYbereferredtotheCOMforaPostulancyInterview.

2.7.COMInterviewDaysareusuallyheldthreetofourtimesayearonscheduleddaysattheDiocesanCenter.EachInterviewDaybeginswithworship.Nomineesareinterviewedby2or3smallgroupsofCOMmembers.

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Attheendoftheinterviewday,COMmembersmeetforprayerfuldiscussionabouteachnomineeandsendareporttotheBishop.TheCOMmayreport:

a. WerecommendenrollmentasaPostulantforHolyOrdersnow.

b. WerecommendfurtherdiscernmentaboutBaptismalMinistry.

c. Werecommendspecificexperiencesofpersonal,psychologicaland/orspiritualgrowth,withasecondPostulancyInterviewatalaterpointintime.

d. COMChaircallsthenomineewithin24hourstoinformhim/her/themofCOM’srecommendation.

2.8TheBishopreceivestheresultsoftheCOMreportandthenomineecontactstheBishopforapersonalmeetingtoreviewthereport.Inconversationwiththenominee,theBishopdeterminesnextstepsforeachnominee.

2.9.EnrollmentasaPostulant,ifrecommended

a. ThePostulant-electconferswiththeBishop,signsthePOSTULANCYAGREEMENT(Form2),receivesinformationabouttheEmberLetterrequirements,andformallyacceptsthecanonicalstatusofPostulantforHolyOrders.

b. TheMastersinDivinityisthenormativedegreeforpriestlyformation,thoughexceptionsaremadewithmultipleconsultationsateverylevel.TheM.Div.istakenatanapprovedseminary,onafull-timeorpart-timebasis.Seminariansmayliveonornearcampus,commutebetweenhomeandseminary,ortakealow-residencyprogram,with“intensives”inresidencethroughouttheyear.

c. TheDeaconFormationProgram(DFP)isthediocesanprocessforDiaconalformation.TheDFPisanadult-learningmodelofformation,withbenchmarksandflexibilityaroundthepresentationofaPortfolio,theestablishmentofaroad-mapcalledanIndividualFormationPlan(IFP)withthesupportofaDeaconMentor.

TheArchdeaconforFormationwillassignaDeaconMentortoeachPostulant.TheDeaconMentorassiststhePostulantthroughoutallphasesoftheDFP,assuringthedevelopmentofanappropriateIFPandhelpingtofindresourcesandprogramstofulfilltheIFP.

2.10.AtthediscretionoftheCanonforDiscernment,andinconsultationwiththeDiocesanBishop,someofthesestepsmaybeforeshortenedoraltered,providingcompliancewithalldiocesanandnationalchurchcanons,whicharealwaysupheld.

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2.11.AsPostulantsprogressintheirformation(eitherinseminaryorinDFP),theyareboundbytheEmberDaydiscipline,throughwhichaletteriswrittentotheCanonforDiscernmentfourtimesperyear.TheselettersaresharedwiththeDiocesanBishop.

2.12.TheCanonforDiscernmentreceivesperiodicreportsonthepostulant’sprogressinformation,throughareportingscheduledevelopedbetweentheBishopandDFP/seminarypersonnel.

NOTE:Atthispoint,thetwoformationavenuesdivergesignificantly.Tominimizeconfusion,twomanualsareavailable.

TheDeaconManualspellsoutindetailthecomponentsandstepsintheDeaconFormationProgram.

ThePriestManualspellsoutthegeneralcomponentsandstepsinthepriestlyformationprocess,recognizingthatpractices/requirementsdifferfromoneseminarytoanother.

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DIOCESE OF MARYLAND DISCERNMENT TRAINING

Decision-making(DemocraticPrinciples)vs.Discernment(SpiritualPrinciples)

Boththeseprocessesareusefulandfaithfulmeansofvocationalguidance.Thereisnorankingorfavoringimpliedinanyofourdiscussionsorconsiderations.

Somemattersarebestconsideredthroughdecision-making,othermattersbydiscernment.Generally,thegreatertheimpact(andthelonger-termtheimpact),themoreusefuldiscernmentisasopposedtodemocraticdecision-making.

Decision-making Discernment

Dependsonstake-holding Dependsonneutralityastooutcomebyinvestedparticipants

Shouldberepresentative Mustbepeopleofprayer/opennessinmembership

Drivestowardsadecision Drivestowardslistening,weighing

Orientedtotheresult Orientedtotheprocess

Resultsinvotingupordown Resultsinanemergingconsensus

Considerschoicesinabinary(yes/no)way Considersarangeofoptions

Listenstothevoicesinthediscussion AlsolistensfortheHolySpirit

Oftenhappensfaster,quellinganxiety Oftenhappensslower,reyearning

Considerstheimmediatequestion Considersthepast,present,future

Attendstomajorityvoices Attendstominorityvoices

Movesquicklytoresolution Continuestogatherdata

Comestoadecisionandannounces Iterativeprocess,checksconsensus

Groundedinlogic Groundedinprayer,listening

Feelsboundbyrealities Guided,notconfined,byrealities

Dependsonsmallgroupofleaders Involveslargergroupofthewhole

Honorstherationalworkofleaders Honorsleadersasvisionaries

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WHEN GOD REALLY NUDGES US (Elbow in the Ribs experience)

Aswewalk,inourseveralcapacities,withthosewhofeelGod’snudge(God’scall,God’s“elbowinmyribs”)overtime,ourOWNcallistolistendeeplyandspeakhonestly.WeshapeconversationsthathelppeopletakeadeepandcourageousdiveintotheirexperienceofGod.ADIVINENUDGEISN’TJUSTABOUTBEINGORDAINEDORNOT;IT’SFARMOREPROFOUNDTHANTHAT.

Generally,WesternChristendomhasidentifiedfouravenuesofresponsetoGod’snudge.ThecallofGodisrevealedandunderstoodthroughourrelationshipswithintheBodyofChrist.

1. Monasticisnotaboutmonasteriesandlongrobes.Initsfullestsense,monasticismislivingintentionalityaroundpatternsandpracticesofprayer,whilebeingaccountabletoacommunity.Monasticismincludesthedisciplineofbecominghealthierinbody,mindandspirit:undergoingpsychotherapy,enteringintorecovery,adoptingaphysicaldisciplineofexercise,cultivatingacreativediscipline,learninganewlanguage,orseekingacoach/mentortogainanewskillorsharpenacurrentskill.

2. Anintentional("consecrated")LayMinistry,towardswhichapersondirectstheirlearningandformationinareassuchas:churchmusician,parishcoordinator,youthgroupleader,attorneyforendoflifeissues,leaderofoverseasmissiontrips,J2Aleader,Cursillo,vestrymember,layEucharisticminister,warden,socialoutreachworker.

3. OrdinationasaDeacon,servantleaderministry.Aseparateandequalorder,NOTareward.Thediaconateisforextensivelayministry.Underauthority,withbothbishopandlocalpersonexercisingoversight.PrimarilycenteredintheTowel,theBookandtheDoor,symbolsofaDeacon'sministry.Skilldevelopmentislife-long,alongabroadspectrumofservanthood,church/worldpartnerships,inspiringandmentoringthefaithfulinexercisingtheirbaptismaldiaconate.Preparationforthisministryrequiresattendanceinadiocesanformationprogram.

4. OrdinationasaPriest,asacramental,teaching,governingandpastoralministry.Expressedinmanyways,butprimarilycenteredonthealtarandthepulpit.PreparationforthisMinistry,includesSeminarywork,willinvolvestudyandlearning,asthisisateachingrole.Amasteryofcontentwillbeexpected.Aspectrumofpriestlyskills,especiallyaspastor,community-builder,spiritualguideandteacher,arecultivatedandmonitoredthroughouther/hisvocationallife.

Aswetakeseriouslythecallsandjourneysofthosewhocometous,wecanjoyfullyownallthesefourpathsasourresponsibilitytoaffirmandsupport.Onepathisnotholierthananother.OurresponsibilityistohelpdiscernwhatpaththeHolySpiritiscallingeachpersontotravel,beit1,2,3or4—orsomecombinationofthese—atTHISMOMENTonthejourney.

Godhonorseachpath,andsaysadivineYES!toeachvocation.Ourcompanioningcallisnotbinary(areyoucalledtobeordainedornot?)butmultivalent,giventhesefourbroadgeneraloverlappingavenueswhicharealwaysunderconsiderationinvocational(“calling”)discernment.Ourjobisalwaystosay"yes!"toanyonewhocomestous.Thatmayinvolvesayinganotoaparticularcall,butthefaithfulresponsetoGod'snudgeisalways"yes."

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APPLYING FOR POSTULANCY: THE FIRST CANONICAL STEP

Priortoreachingthisstep,theApplicantwillhavefulfilledtherelevantcanonicalprerequisitesasspecifiedintheCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurch:

1. Aminimumof12monthsasmember,faithfulworshipper,andgiverofrecordinanEpiscopalcongregation(orrecognizedEpiscopalWorshippingCommunity)intheDioceseofMaryland.

2. ThisChurch/WorshippingCommunitymaybecomethe“SponsoringCongregationofRecord”forPostulancyApplicationandthroughouttheordinationprocess.

3. Intentionalconversations,overaperiodofseveralmonths,withtheRector/Vicar/Priest-in-Chargeofsaidcongregationregardingone’svocationalcall,spiritualjourneyandrelevantexperiencestodate(seeAppendixA).Concurrently,atleastonepersonalmeetingwiththeDiocesanBishoportheCanonforDiscernmentshouldbetakingplace.

4. DiscernmentattheParish/FaithCommunityLevel:TheParishDiscernmentCommittee(PDC),appointedbythePriestinconsultationwiththeApplicant,hascompletedalocaldiscernmentprocessofatleastseveralweeks’duration(AppendixB)andpresentedtheirreporttotheDiocesanBishoportheCanonforDiscernment.

5. Discernmentatthediocesanlevel,normativelythroughfaithfulparticipationinthe2-yeardiocesandiscernmentprogram:

YearOne:ExploringBaptismalMinistry(EBM),an8-monthprogramofmonthlymeetingswithassignedreadingsandexperientialcomponents.

YearTwo:DiscerningOrdainedVocation(DOV),an8-monthprogramofmonthlymeetings,includingInternshipinaTeachingCongregation(nottheSponsoringCongregation).ThisrequiressteppingawayfromregularparticipationintheSponsoringCongregationforthatperiodoftime.

6. Pleasenotealsothatthesecondyearofdiocesandiscernment(DOV)includes,duringthecourseofDOV:

a. canonicallyrequiredpsychologicaltestingandscreening,b. medicalscreening,c. backgroundcheck(includescriminalrecordsandcreditchecks)andd. referencechecks

WhichmustbecompletedbeforetheApplicationforPostulancyissubmittedforaPostulancyInterviewwiththeCommissionofMinistry(COM).ThefeeforDOVincludestheseextracosts.

7. ThereportsfromtheEBMmentorsarepartofthematerialpresentedintheApplicationforPostulancy.

8. ApprovaloftheDOVmentorsisrequiredtoproceedtoApplicationforPostulancy.

TheApplicationforPostulancy,whichisusuallycompletedneartheendofDOV,includesthereportsfromtheabovescreenings/checks,endorsementfromtheVestryandPriestoftheSponsoringCongregation(seeForm1)andalsoanup-to-dateSPIRITUALAUTOBIOGRAPHY.Don’thesitatetoaskquestions;contactEveWayne(ewayne@episcopalmaryland.org).

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FORM 1

ENDORSEMENT LETTER FOR POSTULANCY/CANDIDACY FROM RECTOR, VICAR OR PRIEST-IN-CHARGE OF THE SPONSORING CONGREGATION

TheEndorsementLetter(EL)isanimportantelementofthecanonicalprocessofdiscernmentandscreeningforadmissiontoPostulancy/CandidacyforHolyOrders(VocationalDeaconorPriest).

Asacanonicaldocument,anELispartofthepermanentfileforthatperson.Ifthereiseveraquestionaboutthatperson'sfitness,beforeorafterordination,yourELwillbepartofthematerialexamined.Therefore,theELismorethanapersonalorcharacterreference,oratestamenttoyourkindlyfeelingsaboutthisperson.Ithaspermanentcanonicalweightthroughouttheperson'sministry.

InyourEL,pleasebesuretocoverthefollowingitems:

1. Howlongandhowwellyouhaveknowntheperson?Overwhatperiodoftime?

2. Howmanyconversationswiththisperson-andoverhowlongatimeperiod-havebeenspecificallyaboutvocationtoordainedministry?

3. Whatroleshasthepersonplayedinthelifeofthesponsoringparish,andhowdoyouseerelevantgiftsforreligiousleadershipevidentintheexerciseofthoseroles?Givespecificexamplesyouhaveseeninthisperson'slifewithinyourcongregation.

4. Howdoyouassesstheperson'sfamilyintermsofhealthyfamilyfunctioning,supportfortheperson,andfitness/readinessforthestressesoflifeasaclergyfamily?

5. Whataretheperson'sgiftsandstrengths,andhowhaveyouseentheminaction?Rememberweareaskingforgiftsandstrengthsandhowtheyhavebeenevident.

6. Whatdoyouseeas"growingedges"andchallengesinthisperson'sdevelopmenttowardswholeness?ThisisanimportantelementtoincludeinyourEL;noneofusis"finished"yet.

7. Ifyouorafamilymemberneededtheministryofanordainedperson,inatimeofcrisis,couldyouimaginethispersonmeetingthoseneeds?

8. Ifyouhaveconcernsaboutthisperson,whichyouwouldliketodiscussinaprivateconversation,notifytheCanonforDiscernmentbyemail(msulerud@episcopalmaryland.org).

9. Ifyouhaveinformationaboutthepersonwhichyoubelieve-ifitemerges-wouldjeopardizetheirministerialintegrityand/orthewell-beingofthechurch,youareobligatedtoprovideit.

10. Canyouseethispersonasatrustedcolleagueinordainedministry?InyourEL,describeyoursenseofhowthispersonwillfunctionasacolleagueinministry.

Thankyouforundertakingthisimportantresponsibility.

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+CRKPostulancyCovenant2017-2018

FORM 2

POSTULANCY AGREEMENT WITH THE DIOCESE OF MARYLAND

1. IunderstandPostulancyisacanonicalstatusintheEpiscopalChurch(TitleIII.6.3,III8:3) andthat I will abide by the policies of liturgical functioning (Appendix E).

2. IunderstandthatImayeventuallytakeordinationvows,andIbeginnowtostudythosevows,prayoverthem,andintentionallybeginlivingbythem.

3. IwillstrivetobeafaithfulrepresentativeoftheEpiscopalChurchinallmyinteractions.

4. Iwillspeakaboutissues/positionsoftheEpiscopalChurchaccuratelyandfairly.WhereIdisagreewithmyChurch,IwilldistinguishmypositionfromthatofmyChurch.

5. Iwillstrivefordirectnessincommunication,refrainfromtriangulation,andsetagoodexampletoothers.Iwillrefrainfromgossipandspeculation,seekingtobeapersonoftruth.

6. Iwillfaithfullygivetothechurchasagoodsteward.

7. Iwillfaithfullyfulfillthedirectionsandgodlycounselofmybishopsandthoseinauthority;ifIchoosetodissent,Iwilldosocharitablyandopenly.Incaseofdissent,Iwilldiscussthematterdirectlywiththebishop(s)orotherperson(s)havingauthority.

8. IwillseekalwaystofulfillthevowsoftheBaptismalCovenant,beforeandafterIamordained.IwillpursueaRuleofLife,andcommitmyselftoalifeofprayerandgrowth.

9. Iagreetopursuetherequiredlearnings,trainings,andopportunitieswhichwillhelpmetoprepareforleadershipintheEpiscopalChurch,andwillcommitmyselftolifelongformation.

10. IwillmaintainregularcontactwiththeDiocesanBishopandtheCanonforDiscernment,being faithfulandpromptinsubmittingEmberLettersandcompletingtherequiredstepsofmyordinationprocess.

11. Iwillstayinformed.IwillregularlyreadtheEpiscopalChurchwebsite,thediocesanwebsite,subscribetothee-mailnews,andattenddiocesaneventsinsofarasIamable.Ihavestudied,andwillcontinuetoreferto,theConstitutionandCanonsoftheDioceseofMarylandandoftheEpiscopalChurch,andtheOutlineoftheFaith(theCatechism-BookofCommonPrayerpp845-862),andtheClergyManualoftheDioceseofMaryland(copyofwhichIhavereceived).

12. Werespectthedignityofeveryhumanbeing.Iwillavoidwebsites,chatroomsandsocialmedia whichpromotevaluescontrarytotheGospel,andwillnotpostorforwardtheirmaterial.

13. Irecognizethatmycanonicalstatusplacesmeinapastoralrelationshipwithmybishop(s)thus Iacknowledgemyobligationtoinformthebishop(s)ofmajorlifecircumstances(pregnancy,birth, deathofafamilymember,maritaldifficulties,changeinoccupation,seriousmedicalorpsychiatric illness,adoptionofachild)sotheymayprayformeandofferpastoralcare.

______________________________________________________SignatureofPostulant Date________________

______________________________________________________SignatureofBishop Date________________

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WHAT IS A BI-VOCATIONAL PRIEST?

Literally,thismeans"twovocations",twolivelihoods.Apriestwhoservestwocongregationsisnotabi-vocationalpriest.She/hehasonevocationexercisedintwolocations.Bi-vocationalMinistryisalsocalled“tentmaker”ministryaftertheexampleofStPaul(Acts18:3).

Apriestwhoisbi-vocationalearnsaportion,butnotthewhole,ofhis/herlivelihoodinacompensatedministrycapacityandearnsanotherportionofher/hislivelihoodinotherwork.Bi-vocationalpriestsintheEpiscopalChurchincludepeoplewhoearnaportion(orall)oftheirlivelihoodintheseandmanyfields:

§ Teachers(includingsubstituteteaching),CommunityCollegefaculty,adjunctcollegefaculty§ Counselors,SocialWorkers,HospiceWorkers,HumanResourcesprofessionals§ Chaplains,PatientCareAdvocates,CommunityHealthWorkers§ Smallbusinessowners/entrepreneurs/non-profitorganizations§ Farmworkers,Lobstermen,SailingInstructors,Environmentalists§ TextileArtists/Woodworkers/Artisans/Musicians/Architects/Potters§ Nurses,MedTechs,X-raytechs,EmergencyMedicalTechnicians§ Editors,authors,translators,bookstoreowners§ Websitedesigner,photographer,graphicartist§ Realestateagent,travelagent,interiordecorator,landscapedesigner§ Attorneys,paralegals,immigrationlawyers,publicinterestadvocates§ Youthworkers,youth-servingfacilitiesstaff,jobtrainers§ Retired,onpensionfromanotheremploymentsituation(selforspouse)

Researchandcarefulprojectionstellusthat75%ormoreofactiveclergy,whowillbeworking10yearsfromnow,willbebi-vocational.Congregationsservedbyabi-vocationalpriesthaveworktodoontheirexpectationsofthepriest,especiallyiftheyaresteppingfromafull-timepriesttoapart-timepriest.Priestslikewisehaveworktodoonframing/managingthoseexpectationswithinthemselves.Havingapart-timepriestdoesnotinevitablyleadtodecline.Therearecongregationsthrivingwithbi-vocationalclergyandcongregationsdecliningwithfull-timeclergy.

Somediocesesdefinea"region"or"deanery"whichisnon-geographic,andisintendedtoprovideacollegialcommunityforbi-vocationalpriests.Meetingtimesandcommunicationmethodsareadjustedinthis“deanery”toaccommodatebi-vocationalpriests.Somedioceseshavedevelopedspecialtrainingprogramsforpeoplewhowillbebi-vocationalpriestsforthedurationoftheirministry(e.g.,IonaSchoolforMinistryintheDioceseofTexas,andasimilarschoolintheDioceseofAlabama).Manybi-vocationalpriestsmovefromFTministrytobi-vocationalministrylaterinlife,orwhencircumstances(e.g.parenthood,graduatestudy,familyresponsibilities)emerge.

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THE SEMINARY JOURNEY IN PRIESTLY FORMATION

Everyseminaryisdifferentastoculture,explicitgraduationrequirements,implicit(sometimesunspoken)graduationrequirements,expectationsforextra-curricularinvolvement,opportunitiesforleadershipand/orparticipationinseminaryorganizations,etc.Seminaryfacultyandstaffincludepeoplewhoarecontemporaryandself-aware.

Inthisregard,aseminaryissimilartoaparishwhereyoubeginservinginyourordainedministry.Yourjobistostudythecontext,anddiscernhowyouwillnavigateit.Formanypeople,seminaryisahappy“bubble”wheredailyworshipopportunitiesaremany,facultymembersaresupportiveandaffirming,andfellowstudentsareinterestingandaccepting.Othersexperienceseminaryverydifferently,especiallythosewhohaveavocationtobe“systemchallengers.”SeminariesarelikeeverythingelseinourEpiscopalChurch—theyareablendofsinfulandholy,resistantandaware.Inotherwords,seminariesareliketheEpiscopalChurchwritlarge.

Asyoumovethroughseminary,herearesomecommentsintendedtobehelpful:

1. InordertoreceivetheM.Div.degreewhichyourseminarygrants,youwillneedtocompletethecurriculumtheyestablish.Exceptionstothatdefinedcurriculumarerare.Thediocesewhichsponsorsyouhopesnottobetriangulatedintodisputeswithyourseminaryaboutcurricularrequirements.

2. TheDioceseofMarylanddoesNOTrequirethatseminarianstake:

ABiblicallanguage(HebreworGreek),thoughthatcanbehelpful

AsecondyearofFieldEducation(akaCongregationalInternship)

3. TheDioceseofMarylandstronglyhopesthatallitspriestlyseminarians:

Have/gainmasteryofasecondlanguage;ourchurchspeaksmultiplelanguages!

Arepreparedtoearnsomeoralloftheirlivelihoodapartfromparishministry

TakeCross-culturaltrainingwhileinseminary,preferablyoutoftheUS.

Takeopportunityinseminarytoventurebeyondtheir“comfortzones”

Arrangefamilyfinances(andFinancialAid)tograduatewithminimaldebt

4. OneBasicUnitofClinicalPastoralEducation(CPE)isrequiredofallinpriestlyformation.TheAssociationforClinicalPastoralEducation(ACPE)listsaccreditedprogramsonitswebsite.Thebasicunitcanbetakenonafull-timebasis(usuallyinthesummer),orasan“ExtendedUnit”onapart-timebasisforthedurationoftheacademicyear.

Itisacceptable,asof9/1/18,tocompletetheSpiritualSupporttrainingatGreaterBaltimoreMedicalCenter(GBMC)as2/3ofthisrequiredclinicaltraining.

Itispossible,throughGBMC,totakeadditionalclinicalhoursatGBMC,throughtheprogramcalledSMT-SupervisedMinisterialTraining.300hoursofclinicaltrainingisrequiredforpeoplebeing

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formedforthepriesthood.ThebasicGBMCprogramincludesonly200hours.Priestlyformation,beginning9/1/18,requires300hoursofclinicaltraining.5.Weexpectatleastonefacultyevaluationoneachstudentinseminary,duringtheirseminarytime.ThisisusuallydoneintheMiddlerYear,andisajointprojectofthefacultyandthestudent.Pleasebesurethisevaluationisundertakenandissubmittedtoourdiocesanoffices.6.AllMarylandseminariansareeligibleforadiocesangrantof$5000peryear,providedtheyareenrolledinfull-timeseminarystudy.SeminariansareencouragedtoworkwiththeFinancialAidofficeattheirseminarytoobtainthemaximumassistanceforseminarystudies.7.EveryEpiscopalianisentitledtoapplyforandenrollinseminarycoursework,accordingtothepoliciesofeachseminary.ThosewhoareinformationforordinationwillalsobeprogressingthroughtheCommissiononMinistry(COM)canonicalhorizonsofPostulancyandCandidacy,inadditiontoundertakingtheirseminarystudy.8.Therearevariouswaystoundertakeseminarystudy.Increasingly,thechurchisrecognizingtheneedtobeflexibleinhowseminaryeducationis“packaged.”ThereareDistanceLearningmodels,withregularon-campusIntensives.Itisacceptabletoundertakesomeseminaryworklocally(forexample,attheEcumenicalInstituteofStMary’sSeminaryinBaltimore)andthentransfercreditstowardsanM.Div.atanotherseminary.WeaccepttheM.Div.fromseminariesotherthanEpiscopalones,butrequireadditionalworkinEpiscopal-specificareassuchasPrayerBookandLiturgy,theEnglishReformation,andHistoricalTheology.9.Allthoseinformationforthepriesthood,whateverprogramtheyhavepursued,willtaketheGeneralOrdinationExam(GOE),administeredinJanuaryofeachyear.CostoftheGOEissharedbetweenthestudent,thesponsoringcongregation,andtheCommissiononMinistry.10.AllPostulantsandCandidatesarerequiredtocommunicatewiththeCanonforDiscernmentfourtimeseachyearattheEmberSeasons.Thisisafirmexpectationforeveryoneinformation.SeeAppendixD.

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APPENDIX A

GENERAL ATTRIBUTES AND QUALITIES OF ORDAINED LEADERS

§ PersonalFaithinGodthroughJesusChristthatisliving,growingindepthandhealthy:

§ PracticingaRuleofLifethatincludespersonalandcorporateprayer,studyofscripture,spiritualdirection,andpersonalstewardship

§ ExhibitingapassionforGod’smission§ ParticipatingandrootedinanEpiscopalcongregation,informedbyandrespectfulof

Anglicantraditionsandidentity§ Displayinganappreciationofculturalcontextsthatshapeone’sownandothers’faith§ BeinganexampleinprivateandpublicwaysoflifethatmodelChristianvirtuesby

example

§ EffectivefacilitatoroftheChristianfaithinwords,deeds,andactions:§ Abilitytowriteandspeakpersuasively,includingsensitivitytocommunity§ Abilitytoarticulatethegospeltomovepeoplefortransformationalaction§ Abilitytocommunicateandgatherfeedbackusingclearandconsistentprocesses§ Skillininspiringfaithfulnessthroughliturgy§ IdentifiablyChristianinthepublicsphere

§ Developerofcommunitiesoffaith:

§ Provencapacityforgathering,organizing,andinspiringpeopleinmissionandhelpingtoextendthatvision

§ Positiveregardforthecapacitiesofpeopleinthecongregation§ Savvysenseofnetworksofinfluenceincongregationsandlocalcommunities§ Entrepreneurialspirit§ Consensusbuilder§ Theabilitytocultivatehealthypatternsofinteractionamongpeopleincommunity,

includingaccountabilitythroughstructuresofauthority§ Skills,gifts,andgracestocollaborativelyleadthechurchinmissionthroughliturgy,

preaching,spiritualandpastoralguidance,Christianformation,socialoutreach,andevangelism

§ Theabilitytoencourage,empower,andmentorlayleadershiptoliveintotheBaptismalCovenant

§ Emotionallymatureleadership:

§ Displaysassertivenessanddecisiveness,blendedwithcollaborativeinterestinothers§ Capacitytoanticipateconflictandworkeffectivelythroughit§ Abilitytolistendeeplytoothersandrespondconstructively§ Abilitytoleadwithauthority,recognizingandhonoringtheauthorityofothers§ Actswithawarenessandself-awarenessofone’simpactonothersinrelationshipsand

leadershiproles

§ Institutionalconnection:Recognitionandunderstandingthatordainedministrybringscanonicalandinstitutionalconstraints.

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APPENDIX B

THE MINISTRY OF A PARISH DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE (PDC) Webelievethatpeopleexperiencingapersistent“call”fromtheHolySpiritdeservethereverentattentionoftheChurchintheseways: Companionship,bothaffirmingandchallenging Deeplistening Probingquestionsandconversation Candidfeedback SafespacetoshareandexploretheworkingoftheSpirit Reverenceforthestoryofaperson’slifeWebelievethatallordersofministry(laypeople,bishops,priestsanddeacons)arecalledbyGodtoserveoneanotherandwithoneanotherasequalpartnersintheworkoftheChurchonearth.OurEpiscopalspiritualityandpolityholdsBaptismasthefoundationalidentitythroughwhichallmembersstandonthelevelplayingfieldatthefootoftheCross.Laypeoplehaveanobligationtoexercisetheirauthorityandresponsibilityinidentifyingpeoplewhosegifts,temperamentandspiritualityareconsistentwiththeChurch’sordainedministries.Thisroleinvocationaldiscernmentdoesnotbelongtopriestsorbishops,buttotheentirepeopleofGod.AParishDiscernmentCommittee(PDC),therefore,iscomposedoffaithfullaypeople(notclergy).ThereshouldneverbeanyclergyfolkspresentinaPDCmeeting.Clergyhavetheirownparticularcanonicalrelationshipwithfolksdiscerningacalltoordainedministry,andtheyshouldbemeetingwiththosepeopleregularly.MembersofthePDCaremembersofthelaitywhohavedevotedthemselvesto“work,prayandgive”insupportofGod’sMissionofReconciliation(BookofCommonPrayerpages855-856).TheyunderstandtheEpiscopalChurch,theyareabletokeepconfidences,andtheyarenotafraidtoaskhardquestionsorgodeepinconversationsonspiritual/faithissues.APDCistypically4-5people,whoarefaithfulinworship,knowntobeleaderswhoconsistentlyseekthebestinterestoftheircongregation(ratherthanpersonalagendas),whoarerespectedaspeopleofdepthandspiritualintegrity.AteachmeetingofthePDC,onemembertakestheroleofscribe(takingnotes)andonemembertakestheroleoffacilitator(whichincludesleadingtheBiblestudy/reflectionatthebeginningofeachmeeting,andclosingthemeetingwithsummaryreflection).AllmembersofthePDCrotatetheseroles.EachmeetingofaDiscernmentCommitteewithadiscernerorseekerhasadefinedshapeandflow: Approximately20minutesofBiblestudyandreflection,includingaperiodofcommunal silence.TheCommitteememberstaketurnsfacilitatingthistimeofstudyandreflection.

60-90minutesofconversationwiththediscerner,focusingtheconversationaroundoneortwoofthefollowingthemeswhichcomprisetheCommittee’swork:

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SpiritualAutobiography Experienceof“call”overtime Spiritualdisciplines/practices:reading,retreats,spiritualdirection,worship Ministriesexercisedorunderway:vestry,study,liturgical,pastoral,etc. Self-awareness:growingedges,personalgoals,particulargifts,challenges Perceptions/understandingsoftherelevantorderofministry Howwilltimebesetasidefortraining/formation? Howdoyouunderstand,studyandreflectonScripture? DoyouhaveafavoriteBiblepassage?Ifso,whyisitafavorite? WhoisJesusChristtoyou?HowdoyouexperienceJesusmostfully? Whataretheexperiencesofdeathandresurrectioninyourlife? Whereistherealestandgreatestlovepresentinyourlife?Personalcircumstances:family,finances,livelihood,self-careAstheconversationprogresses,listennotonlytothecontentoftheanswersbutalso“feel”forthemovementoftheHolySpirit.Donothesitatetoask“hard”questions,ortolovinglychallengethediscernee,ortousefollow-upquestionstoclarifyoropenupthediscussion. Approximately15minutesofsummaryreflectiontoclosethemeeting: When/howdideachofusfeeltheSpirit’spresencemostvividly? Whatstandsoutinmymemoryasahighlightofthismeeting? Whatquestions/topicsdoIwanttoidentifyforfurtherdiscussion? WhatcounseldoIhaveforthediscerneegoingforward? Whatresources/advice/helpwouldhelpthePDCgoingforward? ClosingPrayer(preparedandledbyfacilitatorforthatmeeting) Therefore,eachmeetingofthePDCwithadiscernerisabout2.5hours.AfullPDC processisaminimumof4meetings.Itispossibleto“doubleup”meetingsonagiven day(withanamplebreakbetween).SomePDCsspendadaytogether:one2.5hour session,thenlunchfollowedbyanother2.5hoursession.Werecommendthatthere be“reflection”spaceofatleastsixweeksfortheentireprocesstobeaccomplished.THE“OUTCOME”OFTHEPDCMEETINGS Bycompilingallthenotestakenateachmeeting,alongwithadditions/editingfromthe

wholePDC,aFinalReportispreparedfortheCanonforDiscernment.ThisfinalreportalsonamesthemembersofthePDC,thedates/timesofmeeting,andthesummaryreflectionfromallthesummaryreflections.ThePDCisaskedtotellthestoryoftheirmeetingswiththediscerner,andidentifythe

momentswhenmembersfeltthepresenceoftheHolySpirit(evidencedbythe7-fold giftsoftheSpirit;studyGalatians5:16-26).

Itisimportantthatthefinalreportbecandidandshowevidenceofcarefulandprayerfulscreening.Acopyofthisfinalreportismadeavailabletothediscerner,beforeitissentto

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theCanonforDiscernment.Thediscernermaychoosetoprepareandsubmithis/herowncommentsandreflections.

ThePDCisNOTaskedto“vote”ordeterminewhetherornotthediscerneriscalledtobe ordainedadeaconorapriest.ItisimportantforPDCstobeliberatedfrommakingan “upor down”binaryconclusion.ThePDCisonepieceofalargerdiscernmentprocess, andallpiecesofthatdiscernmentprocessaregatheredandpresentedtothe

CommissiononMinistry(COM)andtheCanonforDiscernment,whoconsiderallmaterialinscreeningpeopleforCOMinterviews.

OTHERNOTESontheProcess

IfaPDC,oranymemberthereof,feelsunabletocontinueintheirwork,theCanonforDiscernmentmustbeinformedatonce.DependingonwherethePDCisinthecourseoftheirwork,thepriestofthatsponsoringcongregationmayappointanotherpersontothePDC.IfthePDC’sworkisfairlyfar-along,thePDCmayfinishitsworkwiththereducednumberofmembers.

IfaPDCneedsadviceortrouble-shootingorfurthertraining,theCanonforDiscernmentistobecontactedtoprovidesupportandresources.Don’thesitatetobeintouchanytimewithanyquestionsorconcerns.

IftheVestry/Bishop’sCommittee/AdvisoryBoardisunabletotrust/endorsethework/ reportofthePDC,ameetingwillbescheduledforfurtherdiscussion. IfthereisanymatterwhichjeopardizestheprayerfulworkofthePDC,letusknow!

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Start conversation with priest, meeting with Bishop and/or Archdeacon, begin work with Parish Discernment Committee. Pray!

Exploring Baptismal Ministry (EBM)

Sept.—May each year, reading and discussions, monthly meetings with peers and three mentors (Deacon, Priest, Lay). Conversation with Bishop and Commission on Ministry

about proceeding to DOV or engaging fully in baptismal ministry.

Discerning Ordained Vocation (DOV)

Sept—May each year, Monthly meetings with peers and three mentors (D,P,L). Congrega-tional DOV internship for 6 months. Parish Lay Committee. Mid-term and Ending Check in with supervisor. Completion of Background check, Psych evaluation, medical checks. Com-

mission interviews for postulancy.

“No” or “Not Yet”—referred to Bishop

and/or Priest for

Pastoral Care

“Yes”—Granted Postulancy, Agreement Signed,

Ember Letters begin

Complete required trainings*

Enroll in DFP or Seminary*

See Manual for

Priesthood (pending)

GOE exam

See Manual for the Diaconate

(Dio Website), Deacon

Comprehensive Exam

Near end of Seminary/Deacon Formation Program: Candidacy interviews with Com-mission on Ministry. Candidacy interviews with Standing Committee.

Scheduling of Ordination

[Assignment or Placement to ordained service]

*Th

ese

req

uir

ed d

ioce

san

tra

inin

gs must

be

com

ple

ted

by

th

e ti

me

of

enro

llm

ent

in D

FP

or

Sem

inar

y: S

eein

g t

he

Fac

e o

f

Go

d, S

afe

Ch

urc

h, a

nd

Do

mes

tic

Vio

len

ce A

wa

ren

ess.

FORMAT ON PROCESS FLOWCHART

APPENDIX C

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APPENDIX D EMBER DAYS and EMBER LETTERS EMBERDAYShappenfourtimesayear,andhavelongbeensetasideforprayerandspecialattentionregardingtheordainedministryoftheChurch.Thesedayshavebeentraditionaltimesforbishopsandpeopleinformationtobeintouch.EmberDaysarepartoftheLiturgicalCalendarofourChurch,andtheyoccurinsetsofthreeatfourspecifictimesoftheyear.EmberDaysarecollectivelycalled"Embertide.”TheyareWednesday,FridayandSaturdayoftheweeks:BetweenAdventTwoandAdventThreeBetweenLentOneandLentTwoBetweenPentecostandTrinitySundayTheweekbeginningonthefirstSundayafterHolyCrossDay(September14).Generallyspeakingthen,EmberDaysoccurinFebruary,June,SeptemberandDecember.EMBERLETTERS

YourEmberLetterscometotheCanonforDiscernment,andareduewithintwoweeksaftereachEmbertide;earlierisfinetoo!TheselettersaresharedwithBishopSutton.InyourEmberLetter,pleasereportonthefourtraditionalareasofformation:

A.SpiritualGrowth:

YourdailypracticeorRuleofLife,yourattendanceatcorporateworship,anyparticularspiritualreadingyouhavedone,participationinretreatsorotherprogramsofspiritualgrowth,workwithaspiritualdirector,newspiritualhorizonsyouaredrawnto,youruseofScriptureinyourprayer,ecumenicalorinterfaithexperiences,andanythingelsewhichyouwouldputinthe“SpiritualGrowth”category.

B.FamilyMatters:

Howisyourfamilyconstituted?Whatfamilyactivitiesorspecialeventshavehappenedinthelastfewmonths?Howisyourfamilyadaptingtoyourpatternofstudy,yourrhythmofpresenceandabsence,yourenergylevel?Arethereanyfamilymilestones/transitionsintherecentpastorcomingupinthefuture?Havetherebeenlossesoflovedones?WhathasbeenchallenginginthisgeneralareaofFamilyMatters;howhaveyouandyourfamilydealtwiththosechallenges?Howwouldyoudescribeyourfinancialstabilityatpresent?

C.PersonalMatters:

Haveyouexperiencedanyhealthissuesinthelastfewmonths?Ifso,pleaseincludesomeinformationonhowyou’remanagingthoseissues.Howdoyouengageinregularexercise?Whatdoyoudothatbringsrelaxation,playfulnessandfunintoyourlife?Whathobbiesare

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youpursuingasyouengageinyourformation?Hasamedicalproviderurgedyoutoundertakeaparticularfitnessorwellnessorrecoveryprogram?

D.VocationalMatters:

Whatarethecontentareasyou’restudyingnow?Howdoesitgowiththepaceofyourstudies?Whatpracticalministryexperiencesarepartofyourlifeatthemoment(FieldEd?Worshipandserviceatahomeparish?Volunteeringforministry-relatedactivities?).Haveyouidentifiedsomegrowingedgesinyourvocationalgrowthtowardsministryasadeaconorpriest?Whatareyourpeerrelationshipslike?Howareyourrelationshipswithfacultymembers,mentors,supervisorsandotherstowhomyouareaccountable?

PleasealwayssubmityourEmberLetterstotheCanonforDiscernmentelectronicallyasaWord,Pages,orPDFfile(msulerud@episcopalmaryland.org).TheEmberLettersbecomeapartofyourpermanentformationfile,theyarenotnormallyreadbyanyonebutme.Ifyouhavesomethingyouwishtosayinconfidence,feelfreetocommunicatewithCanonSuleruddirectlybyphone(410)467-1399.Onceayear,aroundoneoftheEmberDays,pleasescheduleaface-to-face“EmberMeeting”withtheCanonforDiscernmentorsubstituteanintentionalphoneconference.StayinginTouch:OurcommitmentistoreplytoyourEmberLetterswithinthreeweeks.Areplymaybebrief,butareplywillbemade.PleasebepromptinsendinginyourEmberLetters,sothatthecalendarcanbearrangedtomaketimeforpromptrepliestoyou.Pleasealsocommunicateinatimelymannerabout“businessitems”whichcropupduringyourformationprocess(requestsforlettersofreference,feedbackonasermonorpaper,signingofforms,etc.).OurhopeisthatyourEmberLettersaffordyouanopportunitytostepbackabit,andreflectonyourjourneytoordination.Thisisaprivilegedopportunitytowalkwithyouonthatjourneywithgrace.TheRev.MarySulerudCanonforDiscernment&CongregationalVitalityEmail:msulerud@episcopalmaryland.org

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APPENDIXE

POLICIESFORLITURGICALFUNCTIONINGASPOSTULANTORCANDIDATE

TheRightRev.EugeneTaylorSutton,BishopofMaryland,hasissuedthefollowingInternshipguidelineswhichapplytoCongregationalInternshipsinbothDiscerningOrdainedVocation(DOV)andinDeaconFormationProgram(DFP).Theseguidelineswerefirstestablishedin2012andhavebeenrenewedeachyearthereafter:

Neitheraninternnorafieldworkeducationstudentistofunctionasordainedclergy,sodonotusePostulantsorCandidates(forthediaconateorthepriesthood)oranylaypersonto:

1. SettheTable,althoughtheyareencouragedtoassisttheCelebrantasanylayliturgicalaltarservermightdo

2. ProclaimtheGospelintheEucharisticliturgy,unlessaspecialexceptionismade.Theseexceptionsarelimitedtomattersoflanguage;bypermissionoftheBishop,anyonecanproclaimtheGospelifthereisalanguagebarriertobeovercome

3. InvitetheworshippingcommunitytoConfession

4. PronouncetheDismissalattheendoftheliturgy

Virtuallyanyministrywhichcanbeexercisedbylaypersonsmaybeexercisedbythoseseekingordination.

Ampleopportunityisgivenduringpriestlyanddiaconalformationfortheseliturgicalfunctionstobetaughtandlearned.Thereisnoneedtopre-emptthenormalcourseoftraininginordertolearnwhatonehastodointheliturgyonceordained.

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