Home © 2004 Trinity |
Ordination
Our Catechism says that "Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops". Those active members of The Episcopal Church who perceive a possible call to the order of deacons or priests, first contact the Rector of their parish. If the Rector believes there may indeed be a call, a Discernment Committee is formed from members of Trinity Church as well as at least two persons from other parishes. The length of discernment depends upon each individual aspirant and usually takes at least one year. If the Discernment Committee, the Rector, and the parish Vestry all concur that there may be a call, the aspirant is recommended to the Bishop of Chicago for further discernment at the diocesan level. It is important to keep in mind that discernment for ordination takes place both within the individual and within the Church. Before a person may become a Postulant (the first official marker leading towards ordination) both the Church and the individual must discern and test the call. Our clergy is glad to meet with those who seek more information about ordination to the diaconate or priesthood. |