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GUIDELINES FOR DIACONAL ORDINATION
(Hard copy of these guidelines available;
click on the title above.)
Introduction
We welcome those members of the Diocese of Newark who seek to discern
if God is calling them to serve Christ in the Church by ministering
as a deacon. We are grateful for your willingness to discern your call
with us. Our goal is to offer you a process for discernment and formation
that is one of depth, integrity, challenge and support.
These Guidelines seek ...
- to give an outline of a process for diaconal ordination
- to describe a program which can be completed in three years by a person
who has full-time secular employment. We believe this program is designed
to train deacons who are well-prepared to minister in a wide range of
settings
The Guidelines assume the diaconate to be ...
- a ministry serving the poor, weak, sick and lonely
- a ministry carried out as a connection between the Church and the
World and with accountability to the Bishop, who may assign a deacon
to serve in a specific congregation or social service ministry or in
his/her present setting
- a ministry carried out by a person with skills and training both in
the social services and in liturgical, congregational and spiritual
leadership.
Diaconal Ordination Committee
In 2001, the Diocese of Newark initiated a process for the ordination
of deacons. This process is administered by the Commission on Ministry's
Diaconal Ordination Committee (DOC). As this process is a new one in
our diocese, we anticipate that we will be modifying and improving it
during the upcoming years. Our goal will be to create a process that
is responsive and accommodating to persons we believe will seek diaconal
ordination while also honoring the church's need for deacons well-prepared
to minister in diverse situations. If you have any questions about the
diaconal ordination process, contact the Diaconal Ordination Committee
co-chairpersons, The Rev. Paul Olsson (973-285-0884) or Archdeacon Nancy Read (973-778-7533).
The Diaconal Ordination Process
The diaconal ordination process shall follow the procedures outlined
in Title III, Canon 6 of the Canons of the Episcopal Church (published
by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church and available from
the NAAD website, www.diakonia.org).
Persons entering the diaconal ordination process should obtain a copy
of these canons. .
Selection
A confirmed adult communicant in good standing sensing a call to diaconal
ordination may be nominated for ordination to the Diaconate by the person’s
congregation or other community of faith. After consultation with members
of the discernment committee, if the priest wishes to encourage this
person to continue in his/her pursuit of ordination, the priest shall
direct the person to communicate his/her interest in ordination to the
bishop in writing.
The Parish Discernment Committee mentioned above will be set up for
the individual by the Rector/Vicar/Priest-in-Charge who will not sit
on the committee. Members of the committee shall be invited by the Rector/Vicar/Priest-in-Charge
on behalf of the nominee. This committee should consist of a cross-section
of the parish and, if possible, include a person with a social service
background and a deacon. The committee will meet with the individual
on a regular basis in order to assist the individual’s process
of discernment. It is expected that the committee will continue to meet
as a support group for the Deacon-in Training until such time that he/she
is ordained or withdraws from consideration. The Parish Discernment
Committee shall report to the Rector/Vicar/Priest-in- Charge. Diaconal
Parish Discernment Guidelines are available on the diocesan website.
(http://www.episcopaldioceseofnewark.org).
Following a report from the discernment committee, a written nomination,
signed by the Rector/Vicar/Priest-in-Charge and at least two-thirds
of the Vestry or comparable body, shall be submitted to the Bishop with
a copy to the DOC. This Vestry Nomination Form may also be accessed
from the website. The nomination shall be in writing and include:
(1) Full name and date of birth
(2) The length of time resident in the Diocese
(3) Dates of Baptism and Confirmation
(4) Whether an application has been made previously for postulancy or
the person has been nominated in any Diocese
(5) A description of the process of discernment by which the applicant
has been identified for ordination to the Diaconate
(6) The level of education and, if any, the degrees earned and areas
of specialization
(7) A letter of support by the applicant’s discernment community,
including a statement committing the discernment community to involve
itself in the applicant’s preparation for ordination to the Diaconate.
(8) An acceptance in writing by the nominated person.
In the Diocese of Newark, the Nominee shall be invited and attend a
Nominee Conference that consists of a series of interviews, scheduled
by the Diaconal Ordination Committee (DOC). The primary purpose of the
Nominee Conference is to provide feedback to the Nominee with respect
to his/her pursuit of diaconal ordination. It additionally provides
a way of initiating a relationship with the Nominee, and can help the
Nominee gain a sense of the way in which the DOC functions. The Nominee
should complete and submit to the DOC the requirements for this conference
including:
(1) Copies of all information previously submitted for nomination
(2) An Application Form provided by the DOC
(3) A four-page, double–spaced autobiography
(4) A four-page, double-spaced call statement
(5) Two recent passport photographs
(6) Transcripts or other evidence of coursework completed
(7) A letter from the Nominee’s spouse/partner stating his/her
reactions to the whole ordination process
The Nominee will be advised of the outcome of the Nominee Conference
and a report submitted to the Bishop.
The Bishop may then admit the nominee as a Postulant for ordination
to the Diaconate.
The goal of the interviews conducted at each step of the entire process
is to discern
+ a sense of call
+ a feeling of passion for the diaconate’s unique ministry
+ a desire to serve others for the glory of God and not one’s
own recognition
+ an ability to articulate one’s own faith and sense of call in
a way that best suits their communication skills
During our growing relationship with each person as she or he journeys
through the discernment process we hope to see the person demonstrate
by their life and work
+ a sense of being called by God
+ a feeling of passion for seeking and serving Christ in all people
We anticipate that people who embark on this journey will reveal their
deacon’s heart to us in their own individual ways.
Postulancy
Postulancy is the time between nomination and candidacy and includes
a process of exploration of and decision on the Postulant’s call
to the Diaconate. During this time, the thorough investigation of the
Postulant shall be continued including: the background check and medical
and psychological examinations by professionals approved by the Bishop.
If deemed desirable or necessary, a psychiatric referral may be made.
The Bishop, or the Bishop’s designee, may interview the Postulant.
The Postulant will be required to pay an application fee of $550.00,
payable to the Commission on Ministry to cover administrative costs
and the psychological evaluation* performed by Kenwood Associates (212-744-2121).
The Postulant is expected to make his/her own arrangements for the evaluation.
The sponsoring parish is encouraged to pay this fee.
Forms for the medical examination* are provided by the Church Pension
Fund.
* These reports are confidential and will be kept on file by the Bishop.
During the Postulancy period, which may last 6 months or more, Postulants
test working models of diaconal ministry, with the goal of identifying
a theology and style of diaconal ministry that suits them well. Completing
CPE requirements should take precedence during Postulancy since this
is a requirement for attending a Candidacy Conference. The fulfillment
of other requirements may be initiated or completed.
During Postulancy, each Postulant shall communicate with the Bishop
by letter four times a year in the Ember Weeks, reflecting on the Postulant’s
academic, human, spiritual and practical development.
After a period of at least six months, a postulant may attend a Candidacy
Conference. At the Candidacy Conference, interviewers will evaluate
Postulants for their integration of course work and field education,
and for their ability to articulate the way in which they will live
out their Diaconal ministry.
Papers required for this conference include, in addition to forms provided
by the diocese,
· An application for Candidacy
· An evaluation from both congregational intern and social service
ministry sites (if complete),
· A reaffirmation of the Vestry/Executive Committee endorsement
· A transcript or other evidence of coursework completed to date,
· A written copy of a sermon, and
· A four-page essay setting forth the postulant's theology of
diaconal ministry.
At the conclusion of the Candidacy Conference, the DOC will submit its
recommendation to the Bishop.
The Bishop may then admit the Postulant as a Candidate, informing the
Candidate by telephone and the Member of the Clergy or other leader
of the Candidate’s discernment community in writing.
Candidacy
Candidacy is a time, no less than one year in length, of formation in
preparation for ordination to the Diaconate. The Bishop, or the Bishop’s
designee, in consultation with the DOC shall determine the length of
time and extent of formation needed to prepare each candidate for ordination.
During Candidacy, each Candidate’s progress shall be evaluated
from time to time and there shall be a written report of the evaluation
by the DOC. Upon certification by the DOC that the Candidate has successfully
completed preparation, has successfully passed an examination of the
canonical requirements and is ready for ordination, a final written
assessment of readiness for ordination to the Diaconate shall be prepared
as determined by the Bishop in consultation with the DOC. This report
shall include a recommendation from the DOC regarding the readiness
of the candidate for ordination. Records of all evaluations, assessments
and recommendations shall be kept and made available to the Standing
Committee.
During Candidacy, each Candidate shall communicate with the Bishop by
letter four times a year in the Ember Weeks, reflecting on the Candidate’s
academic, human, spiritual and practical development.
If the medical examination, psychological evaluation or background check
has taken place more than 36 months prior to ordination, it must be
updated
Upon certification in writing by the Standing Committee that all canonical
requirements have been met and that there is no sufficient objection
on medical, psychological, moral, doctrinal, or spiritual grounds and
that they recommend ordination, the Bishop may ordain the Candidate
a Deacon.
Before ordination each Candidate must have reached the age of twenty-four
and made application for ordination.
At the Bishop’s sole discretion, any Candidate may be removed
from the list of Candidates with written notice of the removal being
given to the Candidate and the Member of the Clergy or other leader
exercising oversight of the nominating congregation or any other community
of faith, the COM and the DOC.
Requirements for Ordination
Before ordination each Candidate shall be prepared in and demonstrate
basic competence in five general areas:
(1) Academic studies
a. A thorough knowledge of the Bible
b. Basic knowledge of the Church’s doctrine, liturgy, history,
ethics and moral theology, and tradition of the Church
c. Identification of ancient heresies in today’s church
d. Theological reflection on contemporary concerns
(2) Diakonia and the Diaconate
a. Meanings of diakonia and diakonos
b. Biblical and primitive roots of the Diaconate
c. Changes in the medieval and modern church
d. Modern and postmodern commitment to mercy and justice
(3) Human awareness and understanding
a. Developing the capacity to relate to others
b. Entering into dialogue with those who differ, including their interpretation
of theology and scripture
c. Articulating biases in race, sex, culture, and class
d. Dealing with people of diverse ages and generations
(4) Spiritual development and discipline
a. Observing Sunday Eucharist and daily prayer, reading scripture
b. Developing commitment, accountability and obedience
c. Using resources such as a spiritual director and retreats
d. Sharing the love of Christ
(5) Practical training and experience
a. Supervised practice in pastoral ministries of care and/or other specialties
b. Practice in collaborative leadership
c. Fieldwork in other congregations or ministry sites
d. Practice for the Deacon’s role in liturgy
In (3) above, a 9 month internship in a social service setting with
a minimum of 25 hours a month spent on site and including 20 hours of
direct supervision by a social service professional during the internship.
In (4) c. above, monthly meetings with a spiritual director for at least
two full years
In (5) a. above, one standard unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
A CPE unit is a specified period of no less than 400 hours, including
supervised clinical practice in ministry, and structured group and individual
study and reflection, at an accredited CPE center. See http://www.acpe.edu
for more information and a list of accredited centers.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is theological and professional education
for ministry. In CPE, theological students, ordained clergy, members
of religious orders, and qualified lay people minister to people in
crisis situations while being supervised. CPE is an experience in process
education that has been shaped by history and yet remains responsive
to the present-day cultural developments that will affect pastoral formation
In (5) c. above, a 9 month internship in a church setting other than
the home parish with a minimum of 25 hours a month spent on-site and
including 20 hours of direct supervision by the ordained leader of the
congregation. A minimum of three sermons should be preached at regular
Sunday services.
The Bishop may assign the Candidate to any congregation of the Diocese
or other community of faith after consultation with the member of the
clergy or other leader exercising oversight.
The formation process shall include sexual misconduct prevention training,
training regarding Title IV of the Canons and anti-racism training.
Formation shall reflect 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 shall take place in community, including
persons in preparation for the Diaconate, or others preparing for ministry.
Conclusion
We appreciate your interest in exploring a possible call to diaconal
ministry. Please contact the DOC chairperson with any questions about
this process. We look forward to hearing about your sense of call and
hope that your time in this process will be a time of life-deepening
spiritual growth.
(December 2004)
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