The Diaconate

(Individual Formation)

Postulancy to Candidacy

A Postulant is a person who has been recommended by the Commission on Ministry (COM) and accepted by the Bishop to begin the formal process which could lead to ordination.  Postulancy is a learning time.  The postulant will continue with his/her academic and spiritual programs under the direction of the local priest.  There is no set length for Postulancy.  The actual length depends upon the postulant's experience and/or academic work to be completed and any recommendations by the COM and/or the Bishop.  From this point on, the person aspiring to Holy Orders may be removed from the process at the sole discretion of the Bishop.

The following canonical requirements will be fulfilled during the phase of Postulancy.  


1.    The canons of the church require that Ember letters be written to the Bishop.  He will be the only one who reads the letter.  Ember Days are traditionally observed on the Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays after the 1st Sunday in Lent, the Day of Pentecost, Holy Cross Day (Sept. 14th) and December 13th.  These letters should let the Bishop know what you are doing, how you are doing, and what studies you have undertaken.  They may also be a way to discuss any particular issues you have in mind.  The letters may be sent electronically.  Copies should be sent to the Rev. Dr. John Schaefer who will not read them but place a copy in your file.  The Bishop also recommends that you read the article by the Rev. James Fenhagen.

2.    The Commission on Ministry would also like to hear from you twice a year (November-December and April-May).  You may send that letter to the chair, the Rev. George Benson, St. David’s Episcopal Church, 8800 Holdrege St., Lincoln, NE 68505.  Please send a copy to the Rev. Dr. John Schaefer for your file.

3.    You begin the formal education for the diaconate.  The Nebraska School for Baptismal Formation and Ministry has a three-year program to cover the required subjects.  These will include academic studies (scriptures, theology and the tradition of the Church), the diaconate, human awareness and understanding, spiritual development and discipline, practical training and experience (Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, Title III, Canon 6. Sec. 3, b).  It is recommended that a postulant seek a spiritual director.

The Educational/spiritual formation program form lets the bishop and the Commission on Ministry know how you plan to get the education you need and what your rule of life will be.  A rule of life indicates a regular prayer and worship pattern, study and outreach.  You may want to consult the Word Form Instructions sheet to help you complete the form.

4.    The supervising priest will report to the Bishop and the COM regarding your progress in your spiritual and educational programs.

5.    The priest and vestry of your parish at a regularly scheduled meeting will  consider your  application for Postulancy.  They may or may not desire to meet with you in person.  They will complete and sign the form and send it to the Rev. Dr. John Schaefer at the diocesan office.  The form needs to be signed by 2/3 of the members of the vestry and by the rector or priest-in-charge
 
6.    You will complete and sign the Application for Candidacy.  It should be sent it to the President of the Standing Committee.   Also send a copy to the Rev. Dr. John Schaefer at the diocesan office.
 
7.    You will need to update your Spiritual Autobiography and Social History.  This update should include copies of any pertinent certificates, etc.  These should be submitted to the Rev. Dr. John Schaefer at the diocesan office and to the chair of the Commission on Ministry—Individual Formation.  These updates should be done no more than six months before each interview by the COM.

8.    At this point you will schedule an interview with the bishop.  You will need at least a month’s (two months in the summer) lead time to make the appointment.  The Diocesan Administrator can assist you in setting up the appointment.  The number is 341-5373 or toll free 1-800-866-341-5737.

9.    The COM will schedule a Candidacy Interview with you.  After the interview, the COM will make its recommendation regarding Candidacy to the bishop.    

10.    If the bishop agrees with the COM recommendation, then you will be invited for a meeting with the Standing Committee.  Their meetings are held at various points around the state.

11.    After its interview, the Standing Committee will make its recommendation to the bishop.

12.    The Bishop will inform the postulant by letter as to whether or not he/she has been approved for candidacy.

For the requirements for ordination to the Diaconate, please see "Candidacy to Diaconate."