Interim Modifications in the Ordination Process
Rev. Aug. 27, 2007
At the present time, there is a thorough reformulation of the ordinations process underway in the Diocese of California. It will take some time to complete, and will probably not be in place until some time in 2008.
In the meantime, there are some interim changes that have been implemented that supersede the policies that appear in the 1997 Guidelines.
- The $50. application fee from the parish has been discontinued.
- Background checks, and psychological exams are to be completed before the Vocations Conference. The diocese will cover the cost of the background check. Congregations are requested to cover the $600. cost of the psych exams. (If this poses budgetary problems, please contact Chris Butler.) The aspirant should clearly communicate to the Ordinations Officer how the exam will be paid for before proceeding with the exam.
- In addition to the forms that are incorporated in the Guidelines, an additional form –the Behavioral Screening Questionnaire—should be completed and mailed separately to the Ordinations Officer before the psychological exam. This form, as well as the full report of the psych exam, will be read only by the Bishop, the Ordinations Officer and the individual’s Shepherd on the COM.
- The canons reserve the decisions about postulancy, candidacy and ordination to the bishop. Therefore, the COM and the Standing Committee will report their findings and recommendations to the Bishop who will decide about what the next step will be. The bishop or his delegate will inform the person discerning a call to ordination of the bishop’s decision.
Calendar for 2007-2008
Please note: The workshop previously scheduled for September 22 for CVC members will not take place. In its stead, a member of the Commission will have a meeting with each Congregational Vocations Committee which is actively working with an person seeking to discern an ordained vocation in preparation for March 2008 Vocations Conference. Please call or e-mail Chris Butler, to arrange. (See contact info below.)
Jan. 2, 2008
All Materials due for aspirants/nominees wishing to come to the Vocations Conference
March 15, 2008
Vocations Conference at Easton Hall, CDSP, 9 am
Questions about these modifications should be directed to Chris Butler, Ordinations Officer, 415.869.7810 or Chrisb@diocal.org.