The formation of clergy within the Diocese of Rumney Marsh is a three phase process consisting of Academic Preparation, a Period of Spiritual Formation, and a lengthy Pastoral Internship. The final shape and length of each phase is determined by the Diocesan Bishop.
I. The academic preparation of clergy candidates in the Diocese of Rumney Marsh can be accomplished in one of four ways:
- The first is a program of study in an approved seminary leading to a theological degree (MDiv, MTS, MSM) with the addition of assigned readings concerning the histories and polities of the various branches of the Independent Sacramental Movement.
- The second is a master's degree in a specialized area such as counseling, education, social work, or administration, augmented by a program of study in theological topics as well as Church History with the addition of assigned readings concerning the histories and polities of the various branches of the Independent Sacramental Movement.
- The third, for persons 35 and older, is professional certification, including eight semester hours of graduate academic study and a program of study in theological topics with the addition of assigned readings concerning the histories and polities of the various branches of the Independent Sacramental Movement.
- Should none of the three above options seem appropriate for a particular candidate, our Bishop's Forum -- a program of "directed studies" -- may be substituted.
This period, depending on age of the candidate, and life experiences, will last a minimum of 6 months, and a maximum of 18 months. If the Candidate remains unsure at the end of the 18-month period, the Bishop may extend the period by 6 months on the advice of the candidate's Spiritual Director. During this period, the candidate will live a holy life to the best of his or her abilities by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
If the candidate is in residence near a parish, mission or ministry of the Diocese, the Bishop (or local pastor) will appoint an Ordination Council (*) to remain in regular communication with the candidate throughout the Period of Spiritual Formation. In addition, there will be a minimum of monthly contact with the bishop.
If the candidate is not in residence near a parish, mission or ministry of the Diocese, the Bishop will appoint a Spiritual Director to remain in regular communication with the candidate throughout the Period of Spiritual Formation. In addition, there will be a minimum of monthly contact with the bishop.
This Period of Spiritual Formation is, and should be, a fairly intense period and is to be accepted as an essential part of the Discernment Process.
This essential integrative experience lies at the heart of the Formation Process of the Diocese of Rumney Marsh and follows the Discerment Period and admission to the Order of Sub-deacons.
Within this experience, the ministerial candidates learn to apply their theological training and hone their practical skills even as they continue to grow spiritually, personally, and professionally while pursueing clearly defined learning objectives within an approved pastoral setting.
The goal of the Pastoral Internship is to enable participants to deepen their understanding of ministry by engaging in reflection upon their own work as ministers with the help of their bishop and/or other pastoral mentors within the diocesan family.
Pastoral interns will explore their vocational identity and their pastoral identity as well as evaluate their growth of skills and competencies necessary for effective ministry.
Consequently, interns will learn how to identify their ministerial strengths and weaknesses for enhancing personal and professional self-awareness and implementing a long-term plan for continuing vocational and spiritual formation.
Successful completion of the first phase of the Pastoral Internship is required for admission to the Order of Deacons within the Diocese of Rumney Marsh.
After admission into the Order of Deacons, the candidate continues the Pastoral Internship, but now is able to assume more of the duties of the ordained minister.
Deacons are fully ordained ministers of the Gospel in our jurisdiction and may administer three of the seven sacraments – Baptism, Matrimony, and Holy Unction. They may also distribute Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament – i.e., bread and wine previously consecrated by a Bishop or presbyter.
During the second phase of the pastoral internship, the candidate -- in conversation with the bishop, ordination council or spiritual director, and mentoring priest – sets the date of and makes all necessary preparations for the presbyteral ordination.
