Governance news posted Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday
Now accepting new aspirants into the ordination process
February 25, 2009
Dear People of the Diocese of Pennsylvania,
At its most recent meeting the Standing Committee voted to end immediately the year long moratorium on accepting new aspirants into the ordination process. We know that a number of diocesan clergy are in conversation with parishioners about vocations to ordained ministry. We are concerned that an extended moratorium will yield an unmanageable back log of aspirants. Although our ecclesiastical situation remains much the same as a year ago we are also confident that the ordination process will function well.
We are blessed with an enthusiastic and capable Commission on Ministry and the able and dedicated service of The Rt. Rev. Edward L. Lee, Jr., who is responsible for those steps in the process requiring episcopal oversight. Canon Jill Mathis continues to do great work as the liaison for those in the ordination process.
We plan to hold a postulancy conference in February 2010. Before an aspirant may participate in the conference several initial steps are required. These steps take six months or more to complete. Clergy who have aspirants in their congregations should first speak with Bishop Lee about the person. The Bishop will then follow up directly with the aspirant.
Faithfully,
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pennsylvania
The Commission on Ministry of the Diocese of Pennsylvania
