The role of the Commission on Ministry (COM): Specific processes for ministry discernment (both for lay ministries and for ordained ministries) will be conducted under the auspices of the Commission on Ministry. The Commission will be responsible for administering the regional group discernment processes, and for the training of discernment facilitators.

The role of the individual ("the Seeker"): It is the responsibility of the individual to communicate any questions, forward necessary paperwork and forms to the Bishop and/or COHO as required and on time, and to move the process forward for themselves. Individuals should contact the Priest in charge of their congregation, the Bishop or the Co-chairs of the Commission on Ministry if they have questions or concerns about discernment or applying for Postulancy. A Postulant or Candidate for Holy Orders should communicate with the Bishop through regular Ember Day letters, and with their Sponsoring Priest and their assigned companion at COHO.

The role of the Priest in charge of the congregation: The primary role of the Priest in the beginning of the discernment process is a pastoral one. However, should the individual decide to apply for postulancy, then the canons require that the Priest in charge make a recommendation as to the individual's fitness. Both the Seeker and the Priest should be aware of this possible change in role. The Priest in needs to know how this process works, so it is important for the priest to acquaint themselves with this handbook.

The role of the Committee on Holy Orders (COHO): The responsibility for administering the process of continuing discernment about ordination falls to the Committee on Holy Orders if an individual is named a Postulant for Holy Orders by the Bishop. At that point (and not before) an individual is considered to be in the ordination process.

The role of the Standing Committee is to recommend a person for candidacy and then ordination, according to the Constitutions and Canons of the Episcopal Church, permitting the Bishop to take order for an ordination.

In case of any questions or concerns do call the Diocesan Office at 1-800-244-6062

COM Commission on Ministry

DEC Diocesan Examining Chaplains

GBEC General Board of Examining Chaplains

GOE General Ordination Examination