VOCATIONS
Have you prayed over your
vocation to the Priesthood or
Religious Life?
If you are already an ordained cleric or professed religious in your current jurisdiction, please scroll to the end of this page.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR ME TO PURSUE A VOCATION WITH THE NACEC?
1. Call the Presiding Bishop. Call Bishop David (505-238-7685 in Albuquerque, New Mexico/Mountain time) and talk with him about your wishes to become a priest or enter the religious life, and how you came to this decision. If there is no Old Catholic or independent Catholic presence in your area that in itself may be God's way of calling you (your vocare) and we will be glad to work with you and your ministry. And if you are already ordained or a professed religious, we invite to contact us and discuss your situation.
PLEASE NOTE: there are two things to keep in mind when applying for an Application or for Incardination with the NACEC:
1. The clergy of the NACEC are tentmaker ministers. Our priests and religious are either retired or working in regular employment.
2. The NACEC cannot offer financial support to our clergy and religious. Our ministries are funded by ourselves and our own efforts, including travel expenses to our Synod. There may come a day when a parish or ministry provides living expenses to clergy, but that day is not yet.
2. Complete the Application and collect all required documentation and religious certificates:
Certificates/ documents required are:
A. Baptism
B. First Communion
Note: if the Applicant has not received first Holy Eucharist he/she will receive First Communion before they are installed as Sub-
Deacon at the next Synod.
C. Confirmation
Note: if the Applicant successfully is accepted into Formation, but has not been confirmed, he/she will be confirmed before they are
installed as Sub-Deacon at the next Synod.
D. Marriage(s), (if applicable, including Holy Union Ceremonies or Domestic Partnerships)
E. Copies of civil divorce decrees/annulments/grants of dissolution (if applicable)
F. Married candidates must also provide the written consent of their spouse (this is an original document and must have the original
signature of the spouse) prior to Formation/Incardination with the NACEC.
G. Ordination or Solemn Profession (if applicable for Incardination)
(Please note: DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS other than “F”! Once these documents are sent with the Application Packet, they are the property of the NACEC, and will not be returned.)
3. Complete the required criminal background check. This can be done at a local background checking agency or your state Dept. of Public Safety (DPS). This is done at the Applicant’s expense.
4. Complete the required psychological examination. You will contact a psychologist/counselor/ therapist and explain that you need a mental health evaluation, and they will perform the necessary assessments. The psychologist/counselor or therapist will send his/her final evaluation directly to the Presiding Bishop, who will forward it on to the Review Panel, along with the Application Packet. Refusal by an Applicant to release their full mental health evaluation to the Presiding Bishop and Review Panel stops the application process with the NACEC. The Presiding Bishop reserves the right to contact the evaluating
psychologist/therapist.
If you have health insurance you may seek a referral by your primary care physician to a psychologist for a mental health evaluation. Out of pocket expenses with a community health agency will run about $130.00+/- depending on your location. We are looking particularly for the 5 Axes diagnosis, and will pay
special attention to Axis 1 and Axis 2. Particular assessment will be given to any emotional, physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence either as a perpetrator or victim, any misdemeanor or felony charges, and substance abuse.
An Applicant may be requested by their evaluating psychologist/therapist to pursue a course of up to 8 therapy sessions to deal with issues arising from the psychological evaluation. All evaluations and/or therapy are done at the Applicant’s expense.
5. Evaluation of the Applicant’s packet is done by a clerical Review Panel assembled by the Presiding Bishop who then makes a recommendation
or reject or accept the Applicant.
6. The Presiding Bishop then accepts or rejects the candidate. The Presiding Bishop reserves the right to admit or
reject the Applicant to Formation or Incardination, irregardless of the recommendation by the Review Panel.
7. Installation of Minor Order of Sub-Diaconate (Ministries of Acolyte and Lector) is done after seminary studies are begun, upon the
recommendation of the Applicant’s mentor or academic advisor. Seminary studies have started and the Applicant is in active dialog and
studies with his/her faculty advisor and mentor. The Letter of Agreement is signed by the Applicant before their installation in Minor
Orders.
8. The Seminarian continues their studies at their own pace and in their own time frame, as mutually determined with his/her academic
advisor. Seminary studies should not last longer than 3 years, since the seminarian moves at their own pace and can complete classes and studies as quickly as they wish and their faculty allows them.
9. The Seminarian seeks Candidacy beginning the “3rd year” of studies or its equivalent. The Candidacy is a time for reflection on the serious matter of Holy Orders and Priesthood. The Candidate declares their intention to move to the Order of Deacons. There is no specific ritual dedicated to the Candidacy, since it is a time of formal and final discernment. Diaconate ordination is established at a time and place mutually agreed upon by the Candidate and Presiding Bishop, and at least 6 months before Ordination to the Sacred Order of the Presbyterate. The deacon and Presiding Bishop work out a mutually agreed upon schedule and place for priesthood ordination, pending successful completion of seminary studies. The Candidate signs the Letter of Conformity before diaconate ordination.
10. Holy Order of Deaconate is celebrated at the end of the “3rdyear” of studies/beginning of “4th year” of studies or its equivalent, and there is an interval of at least 6 months before Ordination to the Holy Order of Priesthood. The deacon is recommended by his/her academic advisor and mentor. Diaconate ordination is usually celebrated at the upcoming Synod. A Letter of Faculties is given to the deacon explaining the parameters of public celebration of the Sacraments and commission to preach and teach the Catholic faith. he deaconate is NO LESS than 6 months in length, allowing the deacon to celebrate sacraments and ministry.
11. Upon successful completion of the seminary studies the deacon is recommended by his/her academic advisor and mentor for advancement to the Holy Order of Priesthood. The Presbyteral ordination ceremony is usually done at the home location of the priest Ordinand allowing family and friends full participation in the priest’s ordination. The deacon is not to be ordained to the Presbyterate unless their seminary studies are completed and they are recommended by their faculty. It is important for the deacon to understand this when they are applying for priesthood ordination.
ADDENDA: Enquieries by ordained or professed individuals:
I AM AN ORDAINED PRIEST/PROFESSED BROTHER/SISTER CURRENTLY WITH ANOTHER JURISDICTION. WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR ME TO PURSUE INCARDINATION WITH THE NACEC?
Steps 1-5 as above are the same for a request for incardination of an ordained cleric or professed religious.
1. Upon recommendation of the Review Panel that the cleric be accepted as an active cleric in the NACEC, a date is set between the Clergy Applicant and the Presiding Bishop for their formal Rite of Incardination, usually at the next Synod. The in-coming cleric can request a “Cleric-In-Residence” status and temporary faculties that allows them public ministry in the NACEC. The Presiding Bishop reserves the right to accept or reject the Review Panel’s recommendation. The in-coming cleric entitled to style themselves as a member of the NACEC.
2. At the Rite of Incardination, the Presiding Bishop presents the in-coming cleric with a Certificate of Incardination in the NACEC and Letter of Faculties, who now has full voting privileges in the Synod.
I AM AN ORDAINED BISHOP/ABBOT/ABBESS WITH ANOTHER JURISDICTION. WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR ME TO PURSUE INCARDINATION WITH THE NACEC?
The steps for a bishop/abbot/abbess applying to join the NACEC are the same as a request for incardination from a priest or professed religious. (See the information immediately above). The in-coming Abbot/Abbess/Bishop is given the title of "Abbott/Abbess/Bishop-in-Residence" for one year (for their assessment of the NACEC and our assessment of them) and due to their rank is an advisor to the Presiding Bishop. They have temporary faculties that allows them public ministry in the NACEC, and are entitled to styles themselves as a member of the NACEC.
Upon completion of the Residence Year the A/A/B-in-Residence is given full membership in the NACEC with voting privileges in the Synod, and recieves a Letter of Faculties and Certificate of Incardination.
vocation to the Priesthood or
Religious Life?
If you are already an ordained cleric or professed religious in your current jurisdiction, please scroll to the end of this page.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR ME TO PURSUE A VOCATION WITH THE NACEC?
1. Call the Presiding Bishop. Call Bishop David (505-238-7685 in Albuquerque, New Mexico/Mountain time) and talk with him about your wishes to become a priest or enter the religious life, and how you came to this decision. If there is no Old Catholic or independent Catholic presence in your area that in itself may be God's way of calling you (your vocare) and we will be glad to work with you and your ministry. And if you are already ordained or a professed religious, we invite to contact us and discuss your situation.
PLEASE NOTE: there are two things to keep in mind when applying for an Application or for Incardination with the NACEC:
1. The clergy of the NACEC are tentmaker ministers. Our priests and religious are either retired or working in regular employment.
2. The NACEC cannot offer financial support to our clergy and religious. Our ministries are funded by ourselves and our own efforts, including travel expenses to our Synod. There may come a day when a parish or ministry provides living expenses to clergy, but that day is not yet.
2. Complete the Application and collect all required documentation and religious certificates:
Certificates/ documents required are:
A. Baptism
B. First Communion
Note: if the Applicant has not received first Holy Eucharist he/she will receive First Communion before they are installed as Sub-
Deacon at the next Synod.
C. Confirmation
Note: if the Applicant successfully is accepted into Formation, but has not been confirmed, he/she will be confirmed before they are
installed as Sub-Deacon at the next Synod.
D. Marriage(s), (if applicable, including Holy Union Ceremonies or Domestic Partnerships)
E. Copies of civil divorce decrees/annulments/grants of dissolution (if applicable)
F. Married candidates must also provide the written consent of their spouse (this is an original document and must have the original
signature of the spouse) prior to Formation/Incardination with the NACEC.
G. Ordination or Solemn Profession (if applicable for Incardination)
(Please note: DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS other than “F”! Once these documents are sent with the Application Packet, they are the property of the NACEC, and will not be returned.)
3. Complete the required criminal background check. This can be done at a local background checking agency or your state Dept. of Public Safety (DPS). This is done at the Applicant’s expense.
4. Complete the required psychological examination. You will contact a psychologist/counselor/ therapist and explain that you need a mental health evaluation, and they will perform the necessary assessments. The psychologist/counselor or therapist will send his/her final evaluation directly to the Presiding Bishop, who will forward it on to the Review Panel, along with the Application Packet. Refusal by an Applicant to release their full mental health evaluation to the Presiding Bishop and Review Panel stops the application process with the NACEC. The Presiding Bishop reserves the right to contact the evaluating
psychologist/therapist.
If you have health insurance you may seek a referral by your primary care physician to a psychologist for a mental health evaluation. Out of pocket expenses with a community health agency will run about $130.00+/- depending on your location. We are looking particularly for the 5 Axes diagnosis, and will pay
special attention to Axis 1 and Axis 2. Particular assessment will be given to any emotional, physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence either as a perpetrator or victim, any misdemeanor or felony charges, and substance abuse.
An Applicant may be requested by their evaluating psychologist/therapist to pursue a course of up to 8 therapy sessions to deal with issues arising from the psychological evaluation. All evaluations and/or therapy are done at the Applicant’s expense.
5. Evaluation of the Applicant’s packet is done by a clerical Review Panel assembled by the Presiding Bishop who then makes a recommendation
or reject or accept the Applicant.
6. The Presiding Bishop then accepts or rejects the candidate. The Presiding Bishop reserves the right to admit or
reject the Applicant to Formation or Incardination, irregardless of the recommendation by the Review Panel.
7. Installation of Minor Order of Sub-Diaconate (Ministries of Acolyte and Lector) is done after seminary studies are begun, upon the
recommendation of the Applicant’s mentor or academic advisor. Seminary studies have started and the Applicant is in active dialog and
studies with his/her faculty advisor and mentor. The Letter of Agreement is signed by the Applicant before their installation in Minor
Orders.
8. The Seminarian continues their studies at their own pace and in their own time frame, as mutually determined with his/her academic
advisor. Seminary studies should not last longer than 3 years, since the seminarian moves at their own pace and can complete classes and studies as quickly as they wish and their faculty allows them.
9. The Seminarian seeks Candidacy beginning the “3rd year” of studies or its equivalent. The Candidacy is a time for reflection on the serious matter of Holy Orders and Priesthood. The Candidate declares their intention to move to the Order of Deacons. There is no specific ritual dedicated to the Candidacy, since it is a time of formal and final discernment. Diaconate ordination is established at a time and place mutually agreed upon by the Candidate and Presiding Bishop, and at least 6 months before Ordination to the Sacred Order of the Presbyterate. The deacon and Presiding Bishop work out a mutually agreed upon schedule and place for priesthood ordination, pending successful completion of seminary studies. The Candidate signs the Letter of Conformity before diaconate ordination.
10. Holy Order of Deaconate is celebrated at the end of the “3rdyear” of studies/beginning of “4th year” of studies or its equivalent, and there is an interval of at least 6 months before Ordination to the Holy Order of Priesthood. The deacon is recommended by his/her academic advisor and mentor. Diaconate ordination is usually celebrated at the upcoming Synod. A Letter of Faculties is given to the deacon explaining the parameters of public celebration of the Sacraments and commission to preach and teach the Catholic faith. he deaconate is NO LESS than 6 months in length, allowing the deacon to celebrate sacraments and ministry.
11. Upon successful completion of the seminary studies the deacon is recommended by his/her academic advisor and mentor for advancement to the Holy Order of Priesthood. The Presbyteral ordination ceremony is usually done at the home location of the priest Ordinand allowing family and friends full participation in the priest’s ordination. The deacon is not to be ordained to the Presbyterate unless their seminary studies are completed and they are recommended by their faculty. It is important for the deacon to understand this when they are applying for priesthood ordination.
ADDENDA: Enquieries by ordained or professed individuals:
I AM AN ORDAINED PRIEST/PROFESSED BROTHER/SISTER CURRENTLY WITH ANOTHER JURISDICTION. WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR ME TO PURSUE INCARDINATION WITH THE NACEC?
Steps 1-5 as above are the same for a request for incardination of an ordained cleric or professed religious.
1. Upon recommendation of the Review Panel that the cleric be accepted as an active cleric in the NACEC, a date is set between the Clergy Applicant and the Presiding Bishop for their formal Rite of Incardination, usually at the next Synod. The in-coming cleric can request a “Cleric-In-Residence” status and temporary faculties that allows them public ministry in the NACEC. The Presiding Bishop reserves the right to accept or reject the Review Panel’s recommendation. The in-coming cleric entitled to style themselves as a member of the NACEC.
2. At the Rite of Incardination, the Presiding Bishop presents the in-coming cleric with a Certificate of Incardination in the NACEC and Letter of Faculties, who now has full voting privileges in the Synod.
I AM AN ORDAINED BISHOP/ABBOT/ABBESS WITH ANOTHER JURISDICTION. WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR ME TO PURSUE INCARDINATION WITH THE NACEC?
The steps for a bishop/abbot/abbess applying to join the NACEC are the same as a request for incardination from a priest or professed religious. (See the information immediately above). The in-coming Abbot/Abbess/Bishop is given the title of "Abbott/Abbess/Bishop-in-Residence" for one year (for their assessment of the NACEC and our assessment of them) and due to their rank is an advisor to the Presiding Bishop. They have temporary faculties that allows them public ministry in the NACEC, and are entitled to styles themselves as a member of the NACEC.
Upon completion of the Residence Year the A/A/B-in-Residence is given full membership in the NACEC with voting privileges in the Synod, and recieves a Letter of Faculties and Certificate of Incardination.