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Application for postulancy  

When the materials listed below are received by the Administrator of the Commission on Ministry, the application then will be placed on the agenda for consideration at a quarterly Commission on Ministry meeting. The application and materials must be received four weeks prior to the Commission on Ministry meeting. Check the diocesan calendar for current Commission on Ministry meeting dates.

To make an application to become a postulant, complete these steps. Note that references are to the Constitution and Canons 2006 of The Episcopal Church.

1. Complete an Application for Postulancy. (Title III.8.3a.8)

2. Submit the “Letter of Support and Commitment” from the vestry and clergy, which includes the financial commitment from the parish. (Title III.8.2b and Title III.8.3) and stating that the nominee is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing.

3. Submit recommendations from the parish discernment committee, which includes reports in letter form from the individual committee members and a composite report.

4. Complete a psychiatric evaluation, using the list of approved psychiatrists. (Title III.8.5.k.2) Be certain to take to the examiner the list of instructions provided, as well as the form on which they are to make a report to the bishop.

5. Complete a medical examination, using the form provided by the diocese. (Title III.8.5.k.2)

The nominee then may be invited to meet with the Commission on Ministry (Title III.8.3.b). The Commission on Ministry provides a recommendation to the Bishop.

The Bishop then reviews the application, medical and psychiatric evaluations, the letter of support for financial commitment, and recommendations from the applicant’s priest, parish discernment committee and the Commission on Ministry.

The Bishop may then invite the applicant to become a postulant.

Upon receiving the letter form the Bishop, the nominee writes a letter of acceptance to the Bishop.