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The Priesthood in the Diocese of New Jersey: Checklist and Overview of Ordination Process

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 referenced below to the Reverend Canon Elizabeth Geitz at Diocesan House no later than two weeks before their scheduled interviews. To obtain all the necessary forms, contact Ms. Cecilia Alvarez at calvarez@newjersey.anglican.org.
 
bullet Discerner discusses sense of call with Rector/Vicar for several months
bullet Application form requested by Rector/Vicar from the Reverend Canon Elizabeth Geitz
bullet Discernment Shepherd assigned to discerner's Rector/Vicar and parish COM
bullet Discernment Shepherd meets with Parish Committee on Ministry
bullet Discerner meets with Parish Committee on Ministry for approximately six months.
bullet The Written Application
bullet Form 1: Certificate required under the Canons
bullet Form 2: Background information report, including
bullet Part (a) to be completed by the discerner
bullet Part (b) to be completed by the Rector/Vicar
bullet Part (c) to be completed by the Parish Committee on Ministry
bullet Part (d) to be completed by the Vestry and Rector/Vicar
bullet Form 3: Letters of reference from two lay persons
bullet Form 4: Autobiographical statement and written responses to questions
bullet Form 5: Application fee of $850 sent with form to Canon Geitz at Diocesan House by March 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)
bullet Transcripts and proof of degree(s) earned
bullet
 Interview with Canon Geitz
bullet Behavior screening questionnaire
bullet

Authorization to release information forms

  1. Psychological evaluation
  2. Medical exam
  3. Criminal record check
  4. Sexual offender registry check
  5. Seminary grades
  6. CPE Evaluation
bullet Psychological examination evaluation
bullet Medical examination (Form 6): Cost met by discerner
bullet Interview with the Right Reverend George Councell following receipt of psychological evaluation
bullet

Background checks:

  1. Oxford Documents check
  2. Criminal record check
  3. Sexual offender registry check
  4. Credit check
  5. Motor vehicles check
bullet Discerner's interview with members of the diocesan Committee on Priesthood (COP) in September
bullet Recommendation by COP and decision by Bishop Councell concerning ministry discernment assignment
bullet Parish placement for Ministry Discernment (six, nine, or twelve months)
bullet Report from the discerner on ministry discernment assignment
bullet Report from the supervisor on ministry discernment assignment
bullet Postulancy interview with COP at January overnight retreat
bullet Notification from Bishop Councell on application for postulancy

TOWARDS CANDIDACY

bullet Quarterly Ember Day letters (Book of Common Prayer, p. 18)
bullet If needed, send financial aid forms to COP by March 1.
bullet If needed, send financial aid forms to seminary (April).
bullet Application to an Episcopal seminary approved by Bishop Councell
bullet CPE evaluation
bullet Diocesan Committee on Priesthood interview for candidacy
bullet

Documents required by Title III, Canon 8, Sec. 2 (e) (2) and Sec. 5 (a):

  1. Proof of Sexual Abuse Awareness training;
  2. Proof of Title IV training;
  3. Proof of anti-racism training;
  4. Copy of postulancy letter from Bishop Councell;
  5. Recommendation for candidacy by seminary;
  6. Rector/Vicar/Vestry recommendation ('sober, honest and Godly....'); and
  7. Diocesan Commission on Ministry recommendation letter
bullet Interview with Committee on Priesthood
bullet Interview with Standing Committee

TOWARDS ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE

bullet Quarterly Ember Day letters (Book of Common Prayer, p. 18)
bullet If needed, financial aid (see above)
bullet

Anglican Studies (For those who do not attend an Episcopal seminary, consult mandatory requirements for Anglican Studies.)
bullet Satisfactory report on GOEs (Poor performance in any area will require remedial work and may delay ordination.)
bullet

Documents required by Title III, Canon 8, Sec. 6 and the Diocese of New Jersey:

  1. A letter from the candidate requesting ordination as a Transitional Deacon, including dates of admission to postulancy and candidacy;
  2. Postulancy and candidacy letters from Bishop Councell;
  3. Letter from seminary stating qualifications for Holy Orders;
  4. Satisfactory report on General Ordination Examination (GOE);
  5. COP recommendation for ordination to the Transitional Diaconate;
  6. Rector/Vicar/Vestry recommendation ('sober, honest, and Godly.....');
bullet Standing Committee interview for ordination to diaconate
bullet Standing Committtee testimonial
bullet Graduation from seminary
bullet Ordination to diaconate
bullet Diaconal ministry in parish

TOWARDS ORDINATION TO PRIESTHOOD

bullet Quarterly Ember Day Letters (Book of Common Prayer, p. 18)
bullet 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.)
bullet Evidence of parochial, chaplaincy, missionary, or other cure deemed appropriate by Bishop Councell
bullet

Documents required by Title III, Canon 8, Sec. 7 (b):

  1. Letter from deacon requesting ordination as a priest, including dates of admission to postulancy, candidacy and ordination as a deacon;
  2. Letter of support from deacon's current congregation ('sober, honest, and Godly...');
  3. Evidence of admission to postulancy, candidacy, and ordination to diaconate;
  4. Certificate from seminary stating qualifications for Holy Orders; and
  5. Report from diocesan Committee on Priesthood that all requirements have been completed recommending deacon for ordination as priest.
bullet Standing Committee interview
bullet Standing Committee testimonial
bullet Ordination to priesthood


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  Last updated: 11 July 2007
  ©The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey