Are You Called?

If you are sensing that God is calling you to ordained ministry, here is some information to help with the necessary steps:

Anyone desiring to explore a call to ordained ministry, either as a priest or deacon, typically begins by speaking with their parish priest who, with other parish leaders, will assist in the discernment process. The next step is to contact the Bishop’s Office and request to meet with the Bishop to discuss your discernment.

Diocesan Discernment Coordinating Team

The Discernment Coordinating Team is made up of the Bishop and chairs of three bodies, each dedicated to supporting the discernment and formation of individuals for different forms of ministry: priests, deacons, and local collaborative ministry.

Ordination Streams

There are the three possible paths to ordination, each overseen by its own ministry team:

1. The Priesthood: Ordination to the priesthood involves two steps: first, ordination as a transitional deacon and then after a period of time to the priesthood. (see below)

2. The Diaconate: Ordination as a vocational, (permanent), deacon is a distinct ministry recognized and celebrated in our Diocese. (Go to Diaconate)

3. Local Collaborative Ministry: The diocese has embraced a model of LCM which includes a process of discerning, affirming, and equipping members of a parish ministry team. This can include LCM deacons and priests. (Go to Local Collaborative Ministry)

The Priestly Ministry Team

The Priestly Ministry Team (PMT) consists of lay and ordained members who serve as an advisory body to the Bishop. The PMT reviews applications, interviews candidates, and makes recommendations to the Bishop regarding each applicant’s suitability for priestly ministry. The team also monitors each postulant's progress and may make recommendations regarding their theological education, spiritual formation, field work, etc.

A description of the process from discernment to ordination for a priest can be found here:

Am I Called To Be A Priest?

The Diaconal Ministry Team

The members of the Diaconal Ministry Team (DMT) are lay and ordained, and serve as an advisory body to the Bishop. They review applications, interview candidates, and make recommendations to the Bishop at various points regarding an applicant’s suitability for priestly ministry. They also monitor and make suggestions about a postulant’s formation (theological education, spiritual formation, field work, etc.).

The full process from discernment to ordination as a vocational deacon can be found here:

Am I Called To Be A Deacon?

The Local Collaborative Ministry Team

The members of the Local Collaborative Ministry Team (LCMT) are lay and ordained and serve as an advisory body to the Bishop.