Who We Are : Vocations : Studies
Candidacy for Holy Orders

In most "mainstream" denominations, the traditional model by which prospective students were approved as postulants for ordination was that of the parish priest. Regardless of what role(s) future clergy envisioned for themselves, more often than not they were accepted or rejected as seminarians to the degree that they fit the picture of the "typical" parish priest: a young, white, heterosexual male who "looked the part" and who had reasonable skills in liturgy, preaching, administration, and financial and people management.

Fortunately, this model began to break down in the Episcopal Church with the ordination of women in the 1970's, and in the Roman Catholic Church with the acceptance of greater diversity in age, ethnicity and race. Change, as we know, comes very slowly; there are still Episcopal dioceses that do not ordain women, for example, and the issue of sexuality continues to be extremely divisive in almost every denomination.

We in the United American Catholic Church recognize and welcome the very diverse gifts that a pool of very diverse aspirants brings to the Church. In fact, the UACC Statement of Belief specifically states:

We are a Community of Believers committed to the task of building up the Body of Christ on this earth. The United American Catholic Church ordains qualified individuals without regard to gender, marital status, ethnicity, social status, citizenship, sexual orientation or upper age. All persons are considered to be Children of God and are welcome to worship with us and to share the gift of the Sacraments, as appropriate.

Thus we welcome men and women who are or who aspire to be some combination of hermit, religious sister or brother, deacon, priest, or bishop, in active ministry or in a more contemplative role, in the healing arts, in education, chaplaincy, etc., etc. There are as many possibilities as there are Christ's witnesses.

One thing, however, that has not changed, should not change and will not change is our adherence to this description of "...the intention required in the candidate for the priesthood: ‘He must look to the priesthood solely from the noble motive of consecrating himself to the service of God and the salvation of souls. ... Thus he shows that he is called by God to the priestly state.'"

In other words, each of you called by God and God's church to service in the priesthood is to make of yourself a gift to be used by God. Only when you have demonstrated this intention can the Vocations Director design with you a program of study that will provide you with the opportunities that will maximize your growth and development, that will assist you in unwrapping and polishing your gift.

It is the Church's responsibility to create for you the most conducive and supportive environment within which it is hoped that you will flourish. The UACC through Holy Spirit Seminary provides a non-residential program of studies designed to educate and train individuals for ministry as deacons and priests.

Usually completed in 18-24 months, each candidate has constant access to UACC clergy for guidance and mentoring. Each student sets his/her own time schedule for studies, allowing time for family and employment obligations to be met.

The decision for ordination will be made by the Archbishop with the help of the Vocations Director and the seminarian's mentor(s).

Application Process

Each person progresses through the process from discernment to ordination at his or her own pace, as the Holy Spirit dictates. For some, this may mean two years, while other it may take three years or more. There is intentionally no deadline to allow candidates to proceed at the rate their individual circumstances permit.

1. Application by persons seeking Holy orders may be made to the Office of the Archbishop by submission of the following documents:
   a) a written letter of request for reception as a candidate for Holy Orders;
   b) a completed UACC application; and
   c) a letter of affirmation from the petitioner's spouse, if applicable.
   d) The Archbishop will interview the candidate by telephone.
2. If warranted, and in-person interview is then scheduled with Archbishop, the Vocations Director, the Assistant Vocations Director or a delegate designated by the Archbishop.
3. Post-interview requirements:
   a) a letter from the petitioner's physician attesting to his or her general health,
   b) completion of a psychological evaluation if deemed necessary,
   c) a background check.
4. Upon approval of the petitioner's application:
   a) the candidate is welcomed into the UACC at a public worship service, if possible,
   b) a mentor is appointed to assist the candidate in his/her preparation and studies,
   c) a course of studies is established and tentative start and end dates are identified,
   d) a spiritual formation plan is created.
5. The candidates studies will focus on but are not limited to:
   a) Sacramental History & Theology
   b) Liturgical History & Ministry
   c) Pastoral Caring Ministry
   d) Teaching Ministry
   e) Church Planting & Parish Administration
   i) UACC Canons & Governmental Workings

Requirements for Ordination to the Diaconate

Candidates proceeding to ordination as deacons must:

1. demonstrate a growing and deepening spiritual life and vital relationship with God
2. complete and pass all required studies
3. complete and pass a final oral or written exam
4. initiate and maintain frequent and effective communication with the Archbishop and the UACC clergy at large
5. attend all National UACC Synods
6. must be current with administration fees
7. review and comment on the UACC Canons
8. demonstrate proficiency in the ministry of a Deacon, i.e. both what a deacon knows and what a deacon does
9. demonstrate a proficiency in homiletics
10. demonstrate proficiency in church planting or in the ministry of the candidate's choice, as approved in writing by the Archbishop
11. must become active in a local UACC ministry or UACC Ministry Partner and record a minimum of 20 supervised hours
12. must establish an active ministry or join a preexisting ministry. The Archbishop will set goals and evaluate outcomes with the candidate
13. create a one-year and five year plan for ministry
14. if possible attend a retreat before ordination
15. secure letters of recommendation for ordination from his/her mentor and from the Director of Vocations
16. secure a letter of mandate for ordination from the Archbishop.

Requirements for Ordination to the Priesthood

Deacons proceeding to ordination as priests must:

1. demonstrate that they live and act from a spiritual life centered on God
2. complete and pass all required studies
3. complete and pass a final oral or written exam
4. demonstrate the ability to articulate the faith clearly and passionately to all kinds of people within and beyond the parish setting
5. maintain frequent and effective communication with the Archbishop and the UACC clergy at large
6. attend all National UACC Synods
7. must be current with administration fees
8. record an additional ten hours of ministry with an existing UACC ministry or UACC Ministry Partner
9. serve for one year in the ministry of the Diaconate (Exceptions are made when recommended by the College of Bishops and approved in writing by the Archbishop. Shortened Diaconates must be no less than six months and must incorporate either Advent/Christmas or Lent/Easter.)
10. demonstrate competence in strategic leadership, pastoral care, preaching, reflection and administration
11. have an active and growing ministry with approved goals that have been established and met
12. Have updated one-year and five-year plans for ministry
13. secure letters of recommendation for ordination from his/her mentor and from the Director of Vocations
14. secure a letter of mandate for ordination from the Archbishop.

Requirements for Ordination to the Episcopacy

Bishops are consecrated for the good of the Church as provided for in the Canons of the UACC.

Extenuating Circumstances

In any situation where the aforementioned requirements cannot be met, the Archbishop shall seek out the wisdom and counsel and approval of the College of Bishops before performing and ordination that does not follow this established process.

The Ordination

Ordinations to the Diaconate shall take place in a setting of public worship, preferably at the National Synod, the Cathedral Church of the Archbishop or in the candidate's home parish or ministry.

Ordinations to the Priesthood shall take place in a setting of public worship, preferably in the candidate's home parish or ministry, Cathedral Church of the Archbishop or at the National Synod.

Certificates of ordination are issued at that time.