Northern Indiana School of Theology
and
Discerning a Call to Holy Orders
About This Page
Persons considering discerning a call to holy orders are welcome to review the materials on this page which includes information on the initial steps of discernment, on attending a traditional three-year seminary, and being formed locally for ministry in the Nothern Indiana School of Theology. For answers to more detailed questions, please contact the Vocations Director, the Rev. Henry G. Randolph, Jr.
Discernment
To learn more about entering a formal period of discernment to holy orders, please consult the section entitled "Ordination Process Summary" in the handbooks "Ordination Guidelines: Priesthood" or "Ordination Guidelines: Diaconate". Those persons recommended by the Commission on Ministry to enter into a formal period of discernment are assigned to work a Parish Discernment Group comprised of members of that person's parish.
Formation
Attending seminary is the customary way of academic and spiritual formation for the Priesthood. The various possibilities for your fomration are discussed with your priest and the Bishop, with the Bishop making the final decision about priestly formation, whether it is at seminary or in the Northern Indiana School of Theology. Recently ordained priests have attened such seminaries as The School of Theology at the University of the South, Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, and the Duke Divinity School, which includes an Anglican Episcopal House of Studies.
Those being trained for the diaconate study in the Northern Indiana School of Theology and attend the meetings of the Formation Group.
Postulancy
As the period of discernment concludes, a person may be nominated for postulancy, which is the next step in the ordination process. Those wishing to be made postulants must complete and submit all of these applications and forms.