The Priesthood

(Total Ministry )

Postulancy to Candidacy 

 

A Postulant is a person who has been recommended by the Commission on Ministry—Total Ministry (COM-TM) and accepted by the Bishop to begin the formal process which could lead to ordination.  Postulancy is a learning time.  You will continue with your academic and spiritual programs under the direction of the local priest.  The length of Postulancy depends upon the your experience and/or academic work to be completed.  From this point on, you 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.  All forms should be sent to the Rev. Dr. John Schaefer, Diocese of Nebraska, 109 N. 18th St., Omaha, NE 68104-4902 unless otherwise directed.


1.    Personal Embertide letters should be written to the Bishop.  He will be the only one who reads the letter.  Ember Days are traditionally observed on 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, give an academic update, etc.  They may also be a way to discuss any particular issues you have in mind.  The letter may be sent electronically to the bishop.  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 (PDF) 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. Phil Chapman, 322 S. 15th St., Plattsmouth, NE 68048.

3.    Educational/spiritual formation program.  The form indicates how you plan to get the education you need and what your rule of life will be.  A rule of life describes a regular prayer and worship pattern, study and outreach.  You may want to download the Word Instructions form to help you complete it.

4.    You will continue your spiritual and educational programs which were worked out with the parish priest and the bishop.  These will include completing academic studies, participating in liturgical and outreach ministries and continuing to develop a spiritual program.  It is recommended that a postulant seek a spiritual director. The supervising priest (usually your rector or missioner) will report to the Bishop and the COM regarding the progress in your spiritual program.  

5.    The program director of the Nebraska School and/or the parish priest/missioner will give an update on your progress educationally.

6.    Review of finances.  In the spring of each year, you will send the financial form which  indicates the amount of debt you are incurring as you prepare for ordination.  It is sent to the Rev. Dr. John Schaefer at the diocesan office.  The Bishop will review the form.  

7.    You will complete the Application for Candidacy.  It should be sent it to the President of the Standing Committee with a copy to the Rev. Dr. John Schaefer.

8.    The priest and vestry will complete and sign the Priest/Vestry Endorsement for Candidacy  .  The form needs to be signed by 2/3 of the members of the vestry and by the rector or priest-in-charge.  It is sent to the Rev. Dr. John Schaefer at the diocesan office.

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

10.    The Bishop will recommend that the COM-TM interview you along with the ministry team.  The COM-TM will send some of its members to your parish for the interview.  A member of the Standing Committee will be invited as well.
 
11.    The sub-committee will make its recommendation to the total COM-TM who in turn will make a recommendation to the Bishop.

12.    If approved, you will be invited by the President of the Standing Committee to meet with them at their next scheduled meeting.  They will make their recommendations to the Bishop.

13.    The Bishop will inform you by letter as to whether or not you have been approved for Candidacy.

For the requirements for ordination to the diaconate, please see the document title “Candidacy to the Diaconate.”

For the requirements for ordination to the priesthood, please see the document titled “Diaconate to Priesthood.”