The following definitions may prove useful as you participate in the Ordination Discernment Process of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Central New York. Please bear in mind that this list is not exhaustive.
Aspirant
A person who is exploring a sense of call.
Call
A sense or feeling that one is drawn or sent to do God’s work.
Candidate
A person who, with the approval of the Commission on Ministry, Standing Committee, and Bishop, has progressed past Postulancy toward Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate and Priesthood.
Canon to the Ordinary
Provides counsel to the Diocesan Bishop. With the Bishop, the Canon oversees the ordination process and works with the clergy and laity of the Diocese. The Canon may also be involved in parish development.
Canons
The Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church are the laws of The Episcopal Church that must be followed during the process toward Ordination to the Priesthood. You can download a free pdf of The Constitution and Canons from The Episcopal Church or order a printed copy of the book for $35.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
A form of theological education that takes place not exclusively in academic classrooms but also in clinical, community care, geriatric and rehabilitation, workplace, and congregational and parish-based settings. CPE includes in-depth study of both the people who receive care as well as the CPE participant, as a giver of care. CPE involves the practice of ministry and the reflection thereon with supervisor and peers.
Commission on Ministry (COM)
Advises and assists the Bishop in matters of ministry for all baptized persons, including the design and oversight of the ongoing process for recruitment, discernment, formation for ministry, and assessment for readiness.
Discernment
A process during which a perceived call is evaluated by a larger circle of people.
Diocesan Discernment Team
This Team’s task is to assist in the discernment of God’s will for the Aspirant through a series of meetings with the Aspirant. The Team submits a formal report to the Aspirant, the Bishop, and the Aspirant’s priest and vestry.
Ember (Day) Letters
Letters written to the Bishop four times a year and that reflect on personal development and situation as well as academic and field experience. The Canons prescribe that Ember Day Letters are required of all Postulants, Candidates, and Transitional Deacons.
Field Education
A supervised practicum in ministry, based in a site (usually a parish but also may be an agency or chaplaincy), in which the student learns hands-on ministry.
Financial Responsibilities
The commitment of financial resources necessary for preparation for ordination, including a pledge of canonically-required contributions of financial support when a faith community nominates a confirmed adult communicant in good standing for ordination, dedication of financial resources by the Nominee, and financial support from the Diocese. The degree of financial support from each source will vary by circumstance.
General Ordination Examination
A proficiency exam in the Canonically-required areas of study including:
- The Holy Scriptures.
- History of the Christian Church.
- Christian Theology.
- Christian Ethics and Moral Theology.
- Christian Worship according to the use of the Book of Common Prayer, the Hymnal, and authorized supplemental texts.
- The Practice of Ministry in contemporary society, including leadership, evangelism, stewardship, ecumenism, interfaith relations, mission theology, and the historical and contemporary experience of racial and minority groups.
“In the Process”
A person who is “in the process” is formally working towards ordination (as a Deacon or Priest) under the sponsorship of a parish, a diocese, and a bishop. At all times, the Person-in-Process (PIP) is examining and discerning his/her/their vocation.
Liaison
The member of the Commission on Ministry that acts as the Person-in-Process’s “point person” and who communicates regularly with the Person-in-Process. The Liaison is available to answer questions regarding the individual discernment process for each Person-in-Process.
Mutual Discernment
The process of discernment may begin by the Aspirant contacting the clergy, the clergy speaking first to the Aspirant, through members of the congregation speaking to the Aspirant or the clergy, or any combination of the above. The journey towards ordination is one of shared, mutual discernment—the Spirit speaking both within an individual and within the congregation—throughout the process.
Nominee
A person recommended by the Diocesan Discernment Team and nominated as a confirmed adult communicant in good standing by one’s faith community who attends a Discernment Retreat with the Bishop, Canon to the Ordinary, and Commission on Ministry.
Parochial Cure
A specific placement approved by the Bishop.
Physical Examination
Required examination by a physician of the Nominee’s choice, at the Nominee’s expense. The report of the exam must be received in the bishop’s office before the interview for Postulancy. If the original physical examination was performed more than 36 months prior to the anticipated date of ordination to the Vocational Diaconate/Transitional Diaconate, the exam must be repeated at the expense of the Nominee and a report of the repeat exam must be submitted to the bishop’s office.
PIP
An acronym for “Person-in-Process.” This term applies from Postulancy through Ordination to the Priesthood.
Postulant
An individual who has obtained the Bishop’s approval to begin the formal Diocesan Process of Discernment for Ordination to the Priesthood.
Psychological (or Psychiatric) Examination
This examination by a psychologist or psychiatrist appointed by the Commission on Ministry is required prior to the Ordination Discernment Retreat. A follow-up exam and report will be needed if the original examination was performed more than 36 months prior to the anticipated date of ordination to the Vocational Diaconate/Transitional Diaconate. See Financial Responsibilities section regarding the cost of this exam.
Spiritual Autobiography
The story of significant events, people, and places that have influenced one’s relationship with God. It is a resource for connecting one’s life story with the story of the people of God.
Spiritual Director
A trained and usually certified person, lay or ordained, with whom one communicates on a regular basis concerning his/her spiritual life. A Spiritual Director listens and, when appropriate, responds by giving “direction” which may include spiritual advice, help with discernment, suggested reading or action, or a question to ponder.
Standing Committee
Council of advisors to the Bishop required by the Episcopal Church Canons. The Standing Committee interviews the Postulant prior to Candidacy and reviews paperwork prior to Diaconal and Priesthood ordinations. Approval of the Standing Committee must be received before Candidacy, ordination to the Diaconate, and ordination to the Priesthood.
Training
Preparation for ordination shall include canonically required training regarding:
- Prevention of sexual misconduct.
- Civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.
- The Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.
- The Church’s teaching on racism.
Transitional Diaconate
The ordination preceding that to the Priesthood. Transitional Deacons serve in the manner of all deacons, but for a set term (minimum of six months) before being ordained to the Priesthood.
Vocational Diaconate
Ordination to “a special ministry of servanthood” directly under the bishop, serving all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely. At the Eucharist a deacon proclaims the Gospel, may lead the Prayers of the People, bids the confession, prepares the Eucharistic table, and gives the dismissal.