In accordance with Title III of the Church Canons, the Commission on
Ministry assists the Bishop in determining present and future needs
for ministry within our diocese. We are body of 14 members-- clergy
and lay. We have determined four specific areas of priority and focus.
They are:
- Overseeing the discernment, formation and support of those individuals
aspiring for and in the process for ordination to the Priesthood and
the Diaconate.
- Recruitment of postulants for these two orders.
- Developing curriculum, standards, training and licensing for the
various opportunities for lay ministry.
- Clergy and clergy family support.
There is much to be done and we are making progress. Last year we devoted
much of our effort to revamping the discernment process for ordination
to the priesthood. We have developed a discernment manual describing
the steps, timetables and actions for all parties involved in the process
leading to ordination. This manual has been distributed to all priests-in-charge
and can be found on our diocesan website. For those priests who have
aspirants for the priesthood, we ask that you pay very close attention
to the timeframes required. Refer to the cover letter of the discernment
manual. Specifically, in order for the discernment process at the diocesan
level to occur, it is critical that discernment at the local church
level (the CDC and vestry recommendation) be concluded and submitted
to the Bishop no later than June of each year. An invitation to aspirants
from the Bishop to attend the annual pre-postulancy conference held
each year in October is contingent on these timeframes being met. The
CDC usually takes 3 months to adequately perform its responsibilities.
Therefore, the CDC should be created and in place not later than March
1 of each year. Yesterday, we recognized our seminarians. I would also
like to recognize those individuals who are in the process for the Diaconate.
We currently have 5 candidates and 2 postulants for the Diaconate. They
are:
Candidates Postulants
Ann LeCroy Wade Frye
Bill McGee Suzanne Birch
Felicity Peck
Janice Robbins
Ed Scott
Let's congratulate these individuals! In the year 2001 our intent is
to similarly revamp the discernment process and formation program for
ordination to the Diaconate. A manual will be developed and distributed
also. We have been in dialogue with the School of Theology in Sewanee
about ways and means with which they can be involved with us for education
and training of persons aspiring both for the Diaconate and lay ministry.
Indeed, these are exciting times for us on the COM. We are looking for
new and improved ways to perform our work. We anticipate some restructuring
to enable us to better focus on our priorities. We welcome your assistance
and input at any time. Thank you.
Respectfully submitted by Rick Govan, Chair