Governance news posted Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Diaconal Discernment Process
The Rt. Rev. Rodney Michel., Assisting Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, in consultation with the Diocesan Office for Transition Ministry, announces the following 2010 schedule and deadlines for processing new nominees for ordination to the diaconate of The Episcopal Church.
By July 15th: Bishop Michel will have received a rector’s nominee recommendation, and the nominee meets with Bishop Michel who decides whether he/she continues in the ordination process.
By August 1st: Nominee meets with Canon Jill Mathis, Office for Transition Ministry, to discuss process requirements and procedures.
By Sept 15th: the psychological evaluation appointment must have taken place.
By October 15th: All reports and other paperwork must be completed and received in Canon Mathis’ office. These include a medical examination and the psychological evaluation.
By early November: Bishop Michel will invite nominees to a Pre-Postulancy Conference by and with the Commission on Ministry December 3-4, 2010.
Bishop Michel stresses the importance and necessity of this schedule due to the number of aspirants who have come forward since the new diaconal formation program was announced. Our intent is to start the first class of this new formation program in January 2011, and on an average it can take five to six months per nominee.
Rectors or other clergy in charge of congregations are reminded that their questions and/or letters of recommendation should be directed to Bishop Michel.
One final reminder: this schedule pertains only to persons and nominees who believe they have a vocational call to the diaconate, not the priesthood.
Submission by Karen Bach, Transition Ministry Assistant
