For those who are called....vocations
Our Philosophy
The American Apostolic Old Catholic Church takes vocations very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that we no longer accept applications from just anyone. Too many people are seeking ordination for the wrong reasons; or they are seeking priesthood for noble reasons but are simply not able to properly peform priestly duties. Many lay people who feel called have never done discernment with a trained spiritual director. This is the first step in any religious institution: to spend time in deep reflection with another party who is qualified to offer such companionship on this most joyful, but serious, journey.
This is where many of us who are called to be Bishops fail our clergy. We are worked so hard in our roles as shepherds and are so limited in resources that we cannot always provide the mentoring that clergy need. Some Independent Catholic Bishops have been blessed with priests who can offer this kind of spiritual counseling to applicants; but even they do so while juggling their own schedules of family, work, and ministry.
In addition, the ISM (Independent Sacramental Movement/Old Catholic Churches) suffers from the serious issue of "jurisdiction-hopping". This is when a candidate or clergy-member moves from one group to another, never remaining in one jurisdiction for more than 2 years (and often for a significantly lesser period of time). While this phenomenon is a cause for consternation among bishops, it is too difficult to address without one central authority governing all jurisdictions. However, the results of this problem harm every single jurisdiction in the ISM. It is destabilizing to the individual community and to the entire Independent Catholic movement in general. It is further compounded by a lack of communication between presiding bishops--very often because not all of us know each other. This lack of open communication between jurisdictions enables problematic clergy and candidates to move around; it also allows candidates rejected for good reason by one jurisdiction to amend their applications and enter another.
The AAOCC cannot cure these problems. It will take time and a united effort on the part of an overwhelming number of presiding bishops to end this behavior. Until then, however, the AAOCC has implemented an application process that ensures that candidates have the proper time to discern, learn about us, become involved, and ultimately decide to join and remain with us throughout their ministry. The application to begin the initial discernment and nomination process is available at the bottom of the page.
It is clear that clergy need more time to discern and more contact with their jurisdictional leadership and family in order to feel connected, loved, and truly prepared for priesthood.
For these reasons, the AAOCC has implemented some new vocations policies:
1. A longer discernment process. Anyone who comes to us feeling called to priesthood in our community will undergo a guided discernment process of no less than 6 months. They will be assigned spiritual exercises and readings; sample a few of our seminary classes; have conversations with all of our other clergy and seminarians; and meet weekly with either the Bishop or an appointed spiritual director. This process will take the applicant through a personal experience of their calling while also introducing them to the joys and difficulties of being an Independent Catholic Clergy-person. At the end of the discernment period, they will meet with their bishop and spiritual director to discuss their own thoughts and reflections about the process. If they still feel called to apply to the AAOCC, and the AAOCC agrees they are called, they will receive the application for enrollment into our seminary and priestly formation program.
2. Smaller formation classes and stricter entry policies. The AAOCC is not interested in quantity; it is interested in quality. While having 15 candidates in formation is surely wonderful, it is not necessarily the sign of a healthy jurisdiction; especially when, from month-to-month, they are not the same 15 candidates. We prefer to form a handful of candidates to the Diaconate and a handful to the Priesthood at a time. This enables us to truly get to know the clergy, spend time with them one-on-one, and give them personalized attention during the formation process (which does not end at ordination). From their first class to the incorporation of their first parish or ministry, it is vital that we incorporate them into a true family rather than a loose association of priests all working independently. To collect clergy by simply admitting all who ask is dangerous to both the church and the people; yet, it is all too common among Independent and Old Catholic jurisdictions who believe numbers make the church appear legitimate. The AAOCC rejects this climate of personal entitlement to ordination and "free-agent" mentality among priests. We believe the family atmosphere of this jurisdiction is greatly enhanced by limiting our numbers both geographically and educationally to a few candidates at a time. We are proud of our reputation of being very difficult to be accepted into. That is the true sign of health: to foster a priesthood that is truly and fiercely committed to its vocation and its church.
Vocations FAQ
This is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions about attending our seminary and pursuing the priesthood. If you have further questions, please feel free to email our Vocations Director at: [email protected].
Who can receive ordination in the AAOCC?
Any confirmed and practicing Catholic over the age of 21 who has completed the appropriate educational, clerical, and training requirements of the AAOCC and who believes and is willing to live out our Statement of Faith may seek ordination, regardless age, sexual orientation, gender/gender identification, age, or marital status.
Because of the nature of the priesthood and the inordinate stress it exacts on the mind and body of the one who serves, there are certain proscriptions the AAOCC has in place that might cause us to not accept a candidate who is otherwise capable of completing our requirements. These follow the Roman canons regarding those barred from application to the priesthood. However, we retain the right to make determinations on a case-by-case basis.
We do not discriminate against those who are differently-abled as the Roman Catholic Church does. If you are confined to a wheel chair or have hearing or sight impairments or an uncommon bodily appearance, please contact us anyway. We are not looking for a "type." A priest stands in the "person of Christ", but the body of Christ includes everyone Christ loves.
All applicants may choose to be single, marry, or re-marry after ordination. There are guidelines regarding how one comports oneself as a single dating person and divorce after ordination.
If you are not currently Catholic and have never attended Mass, but feel called to serve as a priest, you may begin the discernment process now. However, we require that you go through R.C.I.A. (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) in an approved Roman Catholic or Old/Independent Catholic program and practice your faith as a Catholic for 3 years before you can be formally enrolled in the ordination process.
The American Apostolic Old Catholic Church takes vocations very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that we no longer accept applications from just anyone. Too many people are seeking ordination for the wrong reasons; or they are seeking priesthood for noble reasons but are simply not able to properly peform priestly duties. Many lay people who feel called have never done discernment with a trained spiritual director. This is the first step in any religious institution: to spend time in deep reflection with another party who is qualified to offer such companionship on this most joyful, but serious, journey.
This is where many of us who are called to be Bishops fail our clergy. We are worked so hard in our roles as shepherds and are so limited in resources that we cannot always provide the mentoring that clergy need. Some Independent Catholic Bishops have been blessed with priests who can offer this kind of spiritual counseling to applicants; but even they do so while juggling their own schedules of family, work, and ministry.
In addition, the ISM (Independent Sacramental Movement/Old Catholic Churches) suffers from the serious issue of "jurisdiction-hopping". This is when a candidate or clergy-member moves from one group to another, never remaining in one jurisdiction for more than 2 years (and often for a significantly lesser period of time). While this phenomenon is a cause for consternation among bishops, it is too difficult to address without one central authority governing all jurisdictions. However, the results of this problem harm every single jurisdiction in the ISM. It is destabilizing to the individual community and to the entire Independent Catholic movement in general. It is further compounded by a lack of communication between presiding bishops--very often because not all of us know each other. This lack of open communication between jurisdictions enables problematic clergy and candidates to move around; it also allows candidates rejected for good reason by one jurisdiction to amend their applications and enter another.
The AAOCC cannot cure these problems. It will take time and a united effort on the part of an overwhelming number of presiding bishops to end this behavior. Until then, however, the AAOCC has implemented an application process that ensures that candidates have the proper time to discern, learn about us, become involved, and ultimately decide to join and remain with us throughout their ministry. The application to begin the initial discernment and nomination process is available at the bottom of the page.
It is clear that clergy need more time to discern and more contact with their jurisdictional leadership and family in order to feel connected, loved, and truly prepared for priesthood.
For these reasons, the AAOCC has implemented some new vocations policies:
1. A longer discernment process. Anyone who comes to us feeling called to priesthood in our community will undergo a guided discernment process of no less than 6 months. They will be assigned spiritual exercises and readings; sample a few of our seminary classes; have conversations with all of our other clergy and seminarians; and meet weekly with either the Bishop or an appointed spiritual director. This process will take the applicant through a personal experience of their calling while also introducing them to the joys and difficulties of being an Independent Catholic Clergy-person. At the end of the discernment period, they will meet with their bishop and spiritual director to discuss their own thoughts and reflections about the process. If they still feel called to apply to the AAOCC, and the AAOCC agrees they are called, they will receive the application for enrollment into our seminary and priestly formation program.
2. Smaller formation classes and stricter entry policies. The AAOCC is not interested in quantity; it is interested in quality. While having 15 candidates in formation is surely wonderful, it is not necessarily the sign of a healthy jurisdiction; especially when, from month-to-month, they are not the same 15 candidates. We prefer to form a handful of candidates to the Diaconate and a handful to the Priesthood at a time. This enables us to truly get to know the clergy, spend time with them one-on-one, and give them personalized attention during the formation process (which does not end at ordination). From their first class to the incorporation of their first parish or ministry, it is vital that we incorporate them into a true family rather than a loose association of priests all working independently. To collect clergy by simply admitting all who ask is dangerous to both the church and the people; yet, it is all too common among Independent and Old Catholic jurisdictions who believe numbers make the church appear legitimate. The AAOCC rejects this climate of personal entitlement to ordination and "free-agent" mentality among priests. We believe the family atmosphere of this jurisdiction is greatly enhanced by limiting our numbers both geographically and educationally to a few candidates at a time. We are proud of our reputation of being very difficult to be accepted into. That is the true sign of health: to foster a priesthood that is truly and fiercely committed to its vocation and its church.
Vocations FAQ
This is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions about attending our seminary and pursuing the priesthood. If you have further questions, please feel free to email our Vocations Director at: [email protected].
Who can receive ordination in the AAOCC?
Any confirmed and practicing Catholic over the age of 21 who has completed the appropriate educational, clerical, and training requirements of the AAOCC and who believes and is willing to live out our Statement of Faith may seek ordination, regardless age, sexual orientation, gender/gender identification, age, or marital status.
Because of the nature of the priesthood and the inordinate stress it exacts on the mind and body of the one who serves, there are certain proscriptions the AAOCC has in place that might cause us to not accept a candidate who is otherwise capable of completing our requirements. These follow the Roman canons regarding those barred from application to the priesthood. However, we retain the right to make determinations on a case-by-case basis.
We do not discriminate against those who are differently-abled as the Roman Catholic Church does. If you are confined to a wheel chair or have hearing or sight impairments or an uncommon bodily appearance, please contact us anyway. We are not looking for a "type." A priest stands in the "person of Christ", but the body of Christ includes everyone Christ loves.
All applicants may choose to be single, marry, or re-marry after ordination. There are guidelines regarding how one comports oneself as a single dating person and divorce after ordination.
If you are not currently Catholic and have never attended Mass, but feel called to serve as a priest, you may begin the discernment process now. However, we require that you go through R.C.I.A. (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) in an approved Roman Catholic or Old/Independent Catholic program and practice your faith as a Catholic for 3 years before you can be formally enrolled in the ordination process.
Step One: Discernment
The Bishop, in consultation with the Vicar of Vocations and the Vocations Committee, shall establish procedures to identify and to select persons with evident gifts and fitness for ordination.
A confirmed adult communicant in good standing, may be considered for discernment for Holy Orders by application.
To begin discernment, a letter of intent should be sent to the Vicar of Vocations expressing the desire to enter the process.
A Discernment Packet will be forwarded and the information page returned to start the application. The following shall be provided to be considered for nomination:
A confirmed adult communicant in good standing, may be considered for discernment for Holy Orders by application.
To begin discernment, a letter of intent should be sent to the Vicar of Vocations expressing the desire to enter the process.
A Discernment Packet will be forwarded and the information page returned to start the application. The following shall be provided to be considered for nomination:
- Complete an application for discernment
- Write a Letter of intent
- Write 2-3 page autobiography
- Full name and date of birth
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- The length of time as a citizen of the United States.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree
- Complete four discernment sessions with a spiritual director assigned by the AAOCC.
- Attend the online Discernment Day retreat.
- If nominated for Candidacy, a written response to the nomination is to be sent to the Office of Vocations.
Step two: nomination for candidacy
A confirmed adult communicant in good standing, may be nominated for ordination to the diaconate by application, the person's congregation or other community of faith.
The Nominee, if in agreement with the nomination, shall accept the nomination in writing and shall provide the following to the Vicar of Vocations:
Before granting admission as a Candidate, the Vicar of Vocations shall:
The Nominee, if in agreement with the nomination, shall accept the nomination in writing and shall provide the following to the Vicar of Vocations:
- Complete an application for Candidacy.
- Full name and date of birth. Copies of Birth Certificate and Driver’s License/Passport.
- Must be at least twenty-two years of age.
- The length of time as a citizen in the United States.
- Evidence of Baptism and Confirmation.
- Whether an application has been made previously for Candidacy or the person has been nominated in any other jurisdiction.
- A description of the process of discernment by which the Nominee has been identified for consideration of ordination to the Diaconate.
- Participation in four discernment sessions with the assigned Spiritual Director.
- Recommendation of Spiritual Director.
- Attend one of the periodic discernment day retreats (if not previously completed)
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree and record the level of education attained and, if any, the degrees earned, and areas of specialization, together with copies of official transcripts.
- Hold an interview with the Bishop.
- If nominated for Diaconal Formation, a written letter of response will be submitted to the Office of Vocations.
Before granting admission as a Candidate, the Vicar of Vocations shall:
- Determine that the Nominee is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing, and
- Confer in person with the Nominee by letter, email or other means to explain the process.
- Determine the Nominee’s financial resources for the completion of the program.
- Has been accepted into an academic program approved by the Vicar of Vocations.
- No candidate refused admission to the Diaconate in any other jurisdiction without a letter from that jurisdiction stating their refusal or reasons for cessation of the process.
- The Vicar of Vocations who shall meet with the Nominee to review the application and prepare an evaluation of their qualifications to pursue a program of preparation for ordination to the Diaconate.
Step three: the diaconate
The Bishop, in consultation with the Vicar of Vocations and the Vocations Committee, holds the authority to admit the Nominee as a Candidate for ordination to the Diaconate.
Within twelve months prior to ordination as a Deacon, the following must be accomplished:
- The Bishop shall record the Candidate’s name and date of admission in a Register kept for that purpose.
- The Bishop’s office shall inform the Candidate of the decision.
- Each Candidate for ordination to the Diaconate shall communicate with the Bishop in person or by letter, four times a year, reflecting on the state of their progress toward ordination.
- A Candidate must remain in canonical relationship where admission has been granted until ordination to the Diaconate under this Canon.
- Any Candidate may be removed as a Candidate, at the sole discretion of the Bishop. The Bishop shall give written notice of the removal to the Candidate.
Within twelve months prior to ordination as a Deacon, the following must be accomplished:
- A criminal background check, according to criteria established by the Canons of the Church.
- A medical and psychological evaluation by professionals approved by the Bishop, and if desired or necessary a psychiatric referral.
- Reports of all investigations and examinations shall be kept permanently on file by the Bishop and remain a part of the permanent diocesan record.
Spiritual Formation
The Vicar of Vocations shall work with the Candidate to develop and monitor a program of preparation for ordination to the Diaconate in accordance with our Canons to ensure that pastoral guidance is provided throughout the period of preparation.
- The Bishop may assign the Candidate to any congregation or other community of faith after consultation with the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight.
- Formation shall take into account the local culture and each Candidate's background, age, occupation, and ministry.
- Prior education and learning from life experience may be considered as part of the formation required for ordination.
- Wherever possible, formation for the Diaconate shall take place in their community, shall including other persons in preparation for the Diaconate or others preparing for ministry.
Requirements for Ordination to the Diaconate
Before ordination each Candidate shall be prepared in and demonstrate basic competence in five general areas.
Upon certification by those in charge of the Candidate's program of preparation has successfully been completed and is ready for ordination shall be submitted to the Vicar of Vocations. A final written assessment of readiness for ordination to the Diaconate shall be prepared as determined by the Bishop in consultation with the Vicar of Vocations. This report shall include a recommendation regarding the readiness of the Candidate for ordination with letters from an educator, a peer and the Candidate’s spiritual director. Records shall be kept of all evaluations, assessments, and the recommendation, and shall be made available to the College of Bishops.
- Academic studies including, The Holy Scriptures, theology, and the tradition of the Church.
- Diakonia and the diaconate.
- Human awareness and understanding.
- Spiritual development and discipline.
- Practical training and experience:
- Prevention of sexual misconduct against both children and adults.
- Civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.
- The Church's teaching on racism.
Upon certification by those in charge of the Candidate's program of preparation has successfully been completed and is ready for ordination shall be submitted to the Vicar of Vocations. A final written assessment of readiness for ordination to the Diaconate shall be prepared as determined by the Bishop in consultation with the Vicar of Vocations. This report shall include a recommendation regarding the readiness of the Candidate for ordination with letters from an educator, a peer and the Candidate’s spiritual director. Records shall be kept of all evaluations, assessments, and the recommendation, and shall be made available to the College of Bishops.
Application for Ordination to the Diaconate
After at least twelve months from the time of written acceptance of nomination by the Nominee the Candidate may make application to the Bishop for ordination.
The Candidate must:
On the receipt of such certificates, the College of Bishops, if a majority of all members consent, shall certify that the Canonical requirements for ordination to the Diaconate have been met, that there is no sufficient objection on academic, medical, psychological, moral, or spiritual grounds and that they recommend ordination.
The Candidate must:
- Be of at least twenty-three years of age.
- The Bishop shall obtain in writing and provide to the College of Bishops:
- An application from the Candidate requesting ordination as a Deacon.
- A letter of support from the Candidate's leader exercising oversight.
- A certificate from the seminary or other program of preparation showing the Candidate's scholastic record in the subjects required by the Canons, and giving an evaluation with recommendation as to the Candidate's other personal qualifications for ordination together with a recommendation regarding ordination to the Diaconate.
On the receipt of such certificates, the College of Bishops, if a majority of all members consent, shall certify that the Canonical requirements for ordination to the Diaconate have been met, that there is no sufficient objection on academic, medical, psychological, moral, or spiritual grounds and that they recommend ordination.
Request for Permission to Ordain from the College of Bishops
A person may be ordained Deacon by a testimonial, addressed to the Metropolitan Archbishop in the form specified below and signed by the consenting members of the College of Bishop.
To the Most Reverend ________________, Bishop of We, the College of Bishops, having been duly convened at _______ do testify that __________, desiring to be ordained to the Diaconate has presented to us the certificates as required by the Canons indicating ___________'s preparedness for ordination to the Diaconate; and we certify that all canonical requirements for ordination to the Diaconate have been met; and we find no sufficient objection to ordination. Therefore, we recommend _________. for ordination. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this day of _________, in the year of our Lord. (Signed)
Upon completion of these requirements and those required by the Canons, the Deacon may be ordained to the Diaconate.
To the Most Reverend ________________, Bishop of We, the College of Bishops, having been duly convened at _______ do testify that __________, desiring to be ordained to the Diaconate has presented to us the certificates as required by the Canons indicating ___________'s preparedness for ordination to the Diaconate; and we certify that all canonical requirements for ordination to the Diaconate have been met; and we find no sufficient objection to ordination. Therefore, we recommend _________. for ordination. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this day of _________, in the year of our Lord. (Signed)
Upon completion of these requirements and those required by the Canons, the Deacon may be ordained to the Diaconate.
Disclosure of Reason for Denial of Application to Diaconate
The American Apostolic Old Catholic Church’s (AAOCC) decision as to the outcome of this application process is final and that you will be informed of the decision regarding acceptance or rejection of my application at any time without expiation as to the reason for its rejection.
The AAOCC will not disclose the reason for its denial of an applicant to any other entity or institution to which I apply after the rejection of my application to the AAOCC. The AAOCC will merely supply the following information to future institutions or employers: that my application was received and that I was not accepted. No other information will be supplied.
The AAOCC will not disclose the reason for its denial of an applicant to any other entity or institution to which I apply after the rejection of my application to the AAOCC. The AAOCC will merely supply the following information to future institutions or employers: that my application was received and that I was not accepted. No other information will be supplied.
step four: priesthood
The Bishop, in consultation with the Vicar of Vocations and the Vocations Committee, shall establish procedures to identify and select persons with evident gifts and fitness for ordination to the Priesthood.
Nomination
A confirmed adult communicant in good standing may be nominated for ordination to the Priesthood by the person's congregation or other community of faith.
The Nomination shall be in writing and shall include a letter of support by the Nominee’s diaconal congregation or seminary to be signed by the Member of the Clergy or leader exercising oversight.
The Nominee, if agreeing, shall accept the nomination in writing, and shall provide the following to the Vicar of Vocations:
Before granting admission as a Candidate, the Vicar of Vocations shall:
The Nomination shall be in writing and shall include a letter of support by the Nominee’s diaconal congregation or seminary to be signed by the Member of the Clergy or leader exercising oversight.
The Nominee, if agreeing, shall accept the nomination in writing, and shall provide the following to the Vicar of Vocations:
- Full name and date of birth. Copies of Birth Certificate and Driver’s License/Passport.
- Completed application for Candidacy.
- Copy of Deacon Faculties. All Candidates must be ordained Deacons.
- The length of time resident in the United States.
- Evidence of Baptism and Confirmation.
- Whether an application has been made previously for the priesthood or the person has been nominated in any jurisdiction.
- A description of the process of discernment by which the Nominee has been identified for ordination to the Priesthood.
- The level of education attained and, if any, the degrees earned and areas of specialization, together with copies of official transcripts of the completed diaconal coursework as stipulated in the canons.
- The Vicar of Vocations who shall meet with the Nominee to review the application and prepare an evaluation of their qualifications to pursue a program of preparation for ordination to the Priesthood.
Before granting admission as a Candidate, the Vicar of Vocations shall:
- Determine that the Nominee is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing, and
- Confer in person with the Nominee by letter, email or other means to explain the process.
- Determine the Nominee’s financial resources to support them through the process. Periodic reviews will take place.
- Has been accepted into an academic program approved by the Vicar of Vocations.
- No candidate refused admission to the Diaconate or the Priesthood in any other jurisdiction without a letter from that jurisdiction stating their refusal or reasons for cessation of the process.
- The Vicar of Vocations who shall meet with the Nominee to review the application and prepare an evaluation of their qualifications to pursue a program of preparation for ordination to the Priesthood to be submitted to the Bishop.
Candidacy
The Bishop holds the authority to admit the Nominee as a Candidate for ordination to the Priesthood.
Candidacy is the time between nomination and candidacy and may initiate the formal preparation for ordination.
Candidacy involves continued exploration of and decision about the Nominee’s call to the Priesthood.
If the Deacon is from another jurisdiction, within twelve months of acceptance as a Candidate, the following must be accomplished:
Candidacy is the time between nomination and candidacy and may initiate the formal preparation for ordination.
Candidacy involves continued exploration of and decision about the Nominee’s call to the Priesthood.
- The Bishop shall record the Deacon’s name and date of admission in a Register kept for that purpose.
- The Bishop’s office shall inform the Deacon of the decision.
- Each Candidate for ordination to the Priesthood shall communicate with the Bishop in person or by letter, four times a year, reflecting on the state of their progress toward ordination.
- A Deacon must remain in canonical relationship where admission has been granted until ordination to the Priesthood under this Canon.
- Any Deacon may be removed as a Candidate, at the sole discretion of the Bishop. The Bishop shall give written notice of the removal to the Candidate.
If the Deacon is from another jurisdiction, within twelve months of acceptance as a Candidate, the following must be accomplished:
- A criminal background check, according to criteria established by the Canons of the Church.
- A medical and psychological evaluation by professionals approved by the Bishop, and if desired or necessary a psychiatric referral.
- Reports of all investigations and examinations shall be kept permanently on file by the Bishop and remain a part of the permanent diocesan record.
Spiritual Formation
The Vicar of Vocations shall work with the Deacon to develop and monitor a program of preparation for ordination to the Priesthood in accordance with our Canons to ensure that pastoral guidance is provided throughout the period of preparation.
- The Bishop may assign the Deacon to any congregation or other community of faith after consultation with the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight.
- Formation shall take into account the local culture and each Deacon's background, age, occupation, and ministry.
- Prior education and learning from life experience may be considered as part of the formation required for ordination.
Requirements of Ordination for a Priest
In consultation with the Vicar of Vocations, the Dean of the seminary the Deacon may be attending or the director of the program of preparation the Deacon’s preparedness to apply for ordination shall be confirmed.
If a Bishop has removed the Deacon’s name from the list of Candidates, except by transfer, or the Deacon’s application for ordination has been rejected, no other Bishop may ordain the person without readmission to Candidacy for a period of at least twelve months.
Formation shall include theological training, practical Pre-theological educational experience, emotional development, and spiritual formation. Subject areas for study during this program of preparation shall include:
Preparation for ordination shall include training regarding:
The seminary or other formation program shall provide for, monitor, and report on the academic performance and personal qualifications of the Deacon for ordination. These reports will be made upon request of the Bishop or Vicar of Vocation following each semester.
Upon certification by those in charge of the Deacon's program of preparation has successfully been completed and is ready for ordination shall be submitted to the Vicar of Vocations.
A final written assessment of readiness for ordination to the Priesthood shall be prepared as determined by the Bishop in consultation with the Vicar of Vocations.
This report shall include a recommendation regarding the readiness of the Deacon for ordination with letters from an educator, a peer and the Candidate’s spiritual director.
Records shall be kept of all evaluations, assessments, and the recommendation, and shall be made available to the College of Bishops.
If a Bishop has removed the Deacon’s name from the list of Candidates, except by transfer, or the Deacon’s application for ordination has been rejected, no other Bishop may ordain the person without readmission to Candidacy for a period of at least twelve months.
Formation shall include theological training, practical Pre-theological educational experience, emotional development, and spiritual formation. Subject areas for study during this program of preparation shall include:
- The Holy Scriptures.
- History of the Christian Church.
- Christian Theology.
- Christian Ethics and Moral Theology - including environmental ethics and theology.
- The Constitution and Canons of The American Apostolic Old Catholic Church.
- Leadership
- Christian Worship, The Divine Office, and authorized supplemental texts.
- The Practice of Ministry in contemporary society, including leadership, evangelism, stewardship, ecumenism, interfaith relations, mission theology, environmental stewardship and care of creation, and the historical and contemporary experience of racial and minority groups.
Preparation for ordination shall include training regarding:
- Prevention of sexual misconduct against both children and adults.
- Civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.
- The Church’s teaching on racism.
- Each Candidate for ordination to the Priesthood shall communicate with the Vicar of Vocations in person to evaluate their progress and reflecting on the Candidate’s academic experience and personal and spiritual development.
The seminary or other formation program shall provide for, monitor, and report on the academic performance and personal qualifications of the Deacon for ordination. These reports will be made upon request of the Bishop or Vicar of Vocation following each semester.
Upon certification by those in charge of the Deacon's program of preparation has successfully been completed and is ready for ordination shall be submitted to the Vicar of Vocations.
A final written assessment of readiness for ordination to the Priesthood shall be prepared as determined by the Bishop in consultation with the Vicar of Vocations.
This report shall include a recommendation regarding the readiness of the Deacon for ordination with letters from an educator, a peer and the Candidate’s spiritual director.
Records shall be kept of all evaluations, assessments, and the recommendation, and shall be made available to the College of Bishops.
Application for Ordination to the Priesthood
After at least twenty-four months from the time of written acceptance of nomination the Deacon may make application to the Bishop for ordination.
The Candidate must:
On the receipt of such certificates, the College of Bishops, if a majority of all members consent, shall certify that the Canonical requirements for ordination to the Priesthood have been met, that there is no sufficient objection on academic, medical, psychological, moral, or spiritual grounds and that they recommend ordination.
The Candidate must:
- Meet with the Bishop in person.
- Be of at least twenty-five years of age.
- The Bishop shall obtain in writing and provide to the College of Bishops:
- An application from the Deacon requesting ordination as a Priest.
- A letter of support from the Deacon’s leader exercising oversight.
- A certificate from the seminary or other program of preparation showing the Deacon’s scholastic record in the subjects required by the Canons, and giving an evaluation with recommendation as to the Deacon's other personal qualifications for ordination together with a recommendation regarding ordination to the Priesthood.
On the receipt of such certificates, the College of Bishops, if a majority of all members consent, shall certify that the Canonical requirements for ordination to the Priesthood have been met, that there is no sufficient objection on academic, medical, psychological, moral, or spiritual grounds and that they recommend ordination.
Request for Permission to Ordain from the College of Bishops
A person may be ordained a Priest by a testimonial, addressed to the Metropolitan Archbishop in the form specified below and signed by the consenting members of the College of Bishop.
To the Most Reverend ________________, Bishop of We, the College of Bishops, having been duly convened at _______ do testify that __________, desiring to be ordained to the Priesthood has presented to us the certificates as required by the Canons indicating ___________'s preparedness for ordination to the Priesthood; and we certify that all canonical requirements for ordination to the Priesthood have been met; and we find no sufficient objection to ordination. Therefore, we recommend _________ for ordination. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this day of _________, in the year of our Lord. (Signed)
Upon completion of these requirements and those required by the Canons, the Deacon may be ordained to the Priesthood.
To the Most Reverend ________________, Bishop of We, the College of Bishops, having been duly convened at _______ do testify that __________, desiring to be ordained to the Priesthood has presented to us the certificates as required by the Canons indicating ___________'s preparedness for ordination to the Priesthood; and we certify that all canonical requirements for ordination to the Priesthood have been met; and we find no sufficient objection to ordination. Therefore, we recommend _________ for ordination. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this day of _________, in the year of our Lord. (Signed)
Upon completion of these requirements and those required by the Canons, the Deacon may be ordained to the Priesthood.
Disclosure of Reason for Denial of Application to Priesthood
The American Apostolic Old Catholic Church’s (AAOCC) decision as to the outcome of this application process is final and that you will be informed of the decision regarding acceptance or rejection of my application at any time without expiation as to the reason for its rejection.
The AAOCC will not disclose the reason for its denial of an applicant to any other entity or institution to which I apply after the rejection of my application to the AAOCC. The AAOCC will merely supply the following information to future institutions or employers: that my application was received and that I was not accepted. No other information will be supplied.
The AAOCC will not disclose the reason for its denial of an applicant to any other entity or institution to which I apply after the rejection of my application to the AAOCC. The AAOCC will merely supply the following information to future institutions or employers: that my application was received and that I was not accepted. No other information will be supplied.
Incardination
The Bishop, in consultation with the Vicar of Vocations and the Vocations Committee, shall establish procedures to identify and select persons with evident gifts and fitness for incardination.
Nomination
A confirmed adult communicant in good standing may be nominated for incardination by the person's congregation or other community of faith.
The Nominee, if agreeing, shall accept the nomination in writing, and shall provide the following to the Vicar of Vocations (note that all sensitive personal data is kept private and secure):
Before sending the application to the Bishop, the Vicar of Vocations shall:
If the Deacon/Priest/Bishop is from another jurisdiction, within twelve months of acceptance as of their nomination, the following must be accomplished:
The Nominee, if agreeing, shall accept the nomination in writing, and shall provide the following to the Vicar of Vocations (note that all sensitive personal data is kept private and secure):
- Full name and date of birth. Copies of Birth Certificate and Driver’s License/Passport.
- Completed application for Candidacy.
- Copy of all Faculties.
- The length of time resident in the United States. Copies of Naturalization and Citizenship papers if they apply.
- Evidence of Baptism and Confirmation.
- Three letters of recommendation (one from clergy)
- Whether an application has been made previously for the priesthood or the person has been nominated in any jurisdiction.
- Statement as the reasons for leaving the current jurisdiction.
- A description of the process of discernment by which the Nominee has been identified for incardination.
- The level of education attained and, if any, the degrees earned and areas of specialization, together with copies of official transcripts of the completed coursework as stipulated in the canons.
- The Vicar of Vocations who shall meet with the Nominee to review the application and prepare an evaluation of their qualifications to pursue a program of preparation for incardination if it is necessary.
- Any Nominee may be suspended from the process at the sole discretion of the Bishop in accordance with the Canons of the Church. The Nominee shall be given written notice of their removal and may not reapply.
- Any willful misrepresentation of information will result in immediate removal from the process without the ability to reapply.
Before sending the application to the Bishop, the Vicar of Vocations shall:
- Determine that the Nominee is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing, and
- Confer in person with the Nominee by letter, email or other means to explain the process.
- Determine the Nominee’s financial resources to support them through the process. Periodic reviews will take place.
- Show evidence that the Nominee has been trained in:
- Prevention of sexual misconduct against both children and adults.
- Civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.
- The Church’s teaching on racism and bigotry.
- The Vicar of Vocations who shall meet with the Nominee to review the application and prepare an evaluation of their qualifications to pursue a program of preparation for incardination to be submitted to the Bishop.
If the Deacon/Priest/Bishop is from another jurisdiction, within twelve months of acceptance as of their nomination, the following must be accomplished:
- A criminal background check, according to criteria established by the Canons of the Church.
- A medical and psychological evaluation by professionals approved by the Bishop, and if desired or necessary a psychiatric referral.
- Reports of all investigations and examinations shall be kept permanently on file by the Bishop and remain a part of the permanent diocesan record.
Meeting with the Bishop
When all the above requirements, paperwork and reports have been submitted to the Bishop.
A brief statement of introduction will be made to the faithful, who will have an opportunity to affirm the Nominee’s call to ministry in the AAOCC. If there is no substantiated objection within a call from the Church Body will be offered to the Bishop.
A personal interview will be conducted and a decision will be rendered. If the bishop chooses to recommend the Nominee for incardination a report will be made to the College of Bishops.
A brief statement of introduction will be made to the faithful, who will have an opportunity to affirm the Nominee’s call to ministry in the AAOCC. If there is no substantiated objection within a call from the Church Body will be offered to the Bishop.
A personal interview will be conducted and a decision will be rendered. If the bishop chooses to recommend the Nominee for incardination a report will be made to the College of Bishops.
Request for Permission to Incardinate from the College of Bishops
Having received all reports from the Nominee, Vicar of Vocations and the Bishop, all paperwork will be distributed to the College of Bishops.
A person may be incardinated by a testimonial, addressed to the Archbishop Primate in the form specified below and signed by the consenting members of the College of Bishop.
To the Most Reverend, Bishop of ___________
We, the College of Bishops, having been duly convened at _______ do testify that __________, desiring to be incardinated has presented to us the certificates as required by the Canons indicating ___________'s preparedness for ministry in the American Apostolic Old Catholic Church; and we certify that all canonical requirements for incardination have been met; and we find no sufficient objection to reception. Therefore, we recommend _________ for incardination. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this day of _________, in the year of our Lord. (Signed)
A person may be incardinated by a testimonial, addressed to the Archbishop Primate in the form specified below and signed by the consenting members of the College of Bishop.
To the Most Reverend, Bishop of ___________
We, the College of Bishops, having been duly convened at _______ do testify that __________, desiring to be incardinated has presented to us the certificates as required by the Canons indicating ___________'s preparedness for ministry in the American Apostolic Old Catholic Church; and we certify that all canonical requirements for incardination have been met; and we find no sufficient objection to reception. Therefore, we recommend _________ for incardination. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this day of _________, in the year of our Lord. (Signed)
Incardination
Upon completion of these requirements and those required by the Canons the Rite of Incardination will be scheduled.
- The Bishop shall record the Clergyperson’s name and date of admission in a Register kept for that purpose.
- The Bishop’s office shall inform the Candidate of the decision.
- Each member of the clergy shall communicate with their Bishop in person or by letter, four times a year, reflecting on the state of their ministerial progress.
- All Clergy must remain in canonical relationship where admission has been granted.
Continuing Education
The Bishop, consultation with the Vicar of Vocations, may require additional training or coursework to enhance the effectiveness of the clergy following incardination.
Formation topics may include theological training, practical Pre-theological educational experience, emotional development, and spiritual formation. Subject areas for study during this program of preparation shall include:
Formation topics may include theological training, practical Pre-theological educational experience, emotional development, and spiritual formation. Subject areas for study during this program of preparation shall include:
- The Holy Scriptures.
- History of the Christian Church.
- Christian Theology.
- Christian Ethics and Moral Theology - including environmental ethics and theology.
- The Constitution and Canons of The American Apostolic Old Catholic Church.
- Leadership
- Christian Worship, The Divine Office, and authorized supplemental texts.
- The Practice of Ministry in contemporary society, including leadership, evangelism, stewardship, ecumenism, interfaith relations, mission theology, environmental stewardship and care of creation, and the historical and contemporary experience of racial and minority groups.
Disclosure of Reason for Denial of Application of Incardination
The American Apostolic Old Catholic Church’s (AAOCC) decision as to the outcome of this application process is final and that you will be informed of the decision regarding acceptance or rejection of my application at any time without expiation as to the reason for its rejection.
The AAOCC will not disclose the reason for its denial of an applicant to any other entity or institution to which I apply after the rejection of my application to the AAOCC. The AAOCC will merely supply the following information to future institutions or employers: that my application was received and that I was not accepted. No other information will be supplied.
The AAOCC will not disclose the reason for its denial of an applicant to any other entity or institution to which I apply after the rejection of my application to the AAOCC. The AAOCC will merely supply the following information to future institutions or employers: that my application was received and that I was not accepted. No other information will be supplied.
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Please write the Archbishop to request an application for candidacy: [email protected].