Diocese of New Jersey | Discernment

Please refer to the Overview for guidance in completing this checklist. It is a discerner’s responsibility to ensure that each task is completed by the stated date. Your liaison is available for any questions.

NOTE: All postulants, candidates, and deacons are responsible for sending the material below to Ms. Cecilia Alvarez at Diocesan House no later than two weeks before their scheduled interviews. To obtain all the forms, contact Ms. Cecilia Alvarez at calvarez@newjersey.anglican.org.

Discerner discusses sense of call with Rector/Vicar for several months

Application form requested by Rector/Vicar from Ms. Cecilia Alvarez at 877-394-5281, ext 22

Discernment Shepherd assigned to discerner's Rector/Vicar and parish COM

Discernment Shepherd meets with Parish Committee on Ministry

Discerner meets with Parish Committee on Ministry for approximately six months.

The Written Application

Form 1: Certificate required under the Canons

Form 2: Background information report, including

	Part (a) to be completed by the discerner
	Part (b) to be completed by the Rector/Vicar
	Part (c) to be completed by the Parish Committee on Ministry
	Part (d) to be completed by the Vestry and Rector/Vicar

Form 3: Letters of reference from two lay persons

Form 4: Autobiographical statement and written responses to questions

Form 5: Application fee of $850 sent with form to Ms. Cecilia Alvarez at Diocesan House by January 15. The fee is to be paid by discerner and discerner's parish. If discerner is made a Candidate for Holy Orders, an additional fee of $500 will be required for a second psychological examination, in accordance with Title III, Canon 8, Sec. 2 (e) (4)

Transcripts and proof of degree(s) earned

Interview with co-chairs of the Committee on Priesthood, the Reverend Jack Belmot and Ms. Connie White.

Behavior screening questionnaire

Authorization to release information forms

Psychological evaluation
Medical exam
Criminal record check
Sexual offender registry check
Seminary grades
CPE Evaluation

Psychological examination evaluation

Medical examination (Form 6): Cost met by discerner

Interview with the Right Reverend George Councell following receipt of psychological evaluation

Background checks:

Oxford Documents check
Criminal record check
Sexual offender registry check
Credit check
Motor vehicles check

Discerner's interview with members of the diocesan Committee on Priesthood (COP) in September

Recommendation by COP and decision by Bishop Councell concerning ministry discernment assignment

Parish placement for Ministry Discernment (six, nine, or twelve months)

Report from the discerner on ministry discernment assignment

Report from the supervisor on ministry discernment assignment

Postulancy interview with COP at January overnight retreat

Notification from Bishop Councell on application for postulancy

TOWARDS CANDIDACY

	Quarterly Ember Day letters (Book of Common Prayer, p. 18)
	If needed, send financial aid forms to COP by March 1.
	If needed, send financial aid forms to seminary (April).
	Application to an Episcopal seminary approved by Bishop Councell
	CPE evaluation
	Diocesan Committee on Priesthood interview for candidacy
	Documents required by Title III, Canon 8, Sec. 2 (e) (2) and Sec. 5 (a): Proof of Sexual Abuse Awareness training; Proof of Title IV training; Proof of anti-racism training; Copy of postulancy letter from Bishop Councell; Recommendation for candidacy by seminary; Rector/Vicar/Vestry recommendation ('sober, honest and Godly....'); and Diocesan Committee on Priesthood recommendation letter
	Interview with Committee on Priesthood
	Interview with Standing Committee

TOWARDS ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE

	Quarterly Ember Day letters (Book of Common Prayer, p. 18)
	If needed, financial aid (see above)
	Anglican Studies (For those who do not attend an Episcopal seminary, consult mandatory requirements for Anglican Studies.)
	Satisfactory report on GOEs (Poor performance in any area will require remedial work and may delay ordination.)
	Documents required by Title III, Canon 8, Sec. 6 and the Diocese of New Jersey: A letter from the candidate requesting ordination as a Transitional Deacon, including dates of admission to postulancy and candidacy; Postulancy and candidacy letters from Bishop Councell; Letter from seminary stating qualifications for Holy Orders; Satisfactory report on General Ordination Examination (GOE); COP recommendation for ordination to the Transitional Diaconate; Rector/Vicar/Vestry recommendation ('sober, honest, and Godly.....');
	Standing Committee interview for ordination to diaconate
	Standing Committtee testimonial
	Graduation from seminary
	Ordination to diaconate
	Diaconal ministry in parish

TOWARDS ORDINATION TO PRIESTHOOD

	Quarterly Ember Day Letters (Book of Common Prayer, p. 18)
	Updated psychological examination, medical examination, and Oxford Documents check, if previous examinations are more than 36 months old (Fifty percent of fee to be paid by deacon and sponsoring parish.)
	Evidence of parochial, chaplaincy, missionary, or other cure deemed appropriate by Bishop Councell
	Documents required by Title III, Canon 8, Sec. 7 (b): Letter from deacon requesting ordination as a priest, including dates of admission to postulancy, candidacy and ordination as a deacon; Letter of support from deacon's current congregation ('sober, honest, and Godly...'); Evidence of admission to postulancy, candidacy, and ordination to diaconate; Certificate from seminary stating qualifications for Holy Orders; and Report from diocesan Committee on Priesthood that all requirements have been completed recommending deacon for ordination as priest.
	Standing Committee interview
	Standing Committee testimonial
	Ordination to priesthood