Program of Study for the Diaconate
STATEMENT ON THE CANONICAL PROCESS FOR ORDINATION
The process leading to ordination in the Episcopal Church is carefully detailed in the current Constitutions and Canons of the Episcopal Church. This process is followed throughout the Episcopal Church and is applicable to all persons seeking ordination to Holy Orders.
Theological education and/or attendance at a seminary or school of theology are important elements in the process, but such attendance and study are not substitutes for meeting the requirements of the canonical process.
It must be clearly understood by all students attending the George Mercer, Jr. Memorial School of Theology that admission to the school, attendance in class or even successful completion of the course of study, is not an alternative to or substitution for completion of the canonical process and the requirements of the Bishop of the Diocese and the Diocesan Commission on Ministry (DCOM). Nor does successful completion of any Mercer program guarantee that a person will be considered for ordination.
In some instances, Bishops or DCOMs may require that a nominee for Holy Orders attend a seminary or school of theology for a period of time before the person is admitted to the “official formation process” as a Postulant. In fact, successful completion of a prescribed course of study may well be a requirement for admission as a Postulant. In either event, the student must always be aware that admission to Mercer and successful completion of its course of study is not equivalent to admission to Postulancy or Candidacy. Theological education is a vital part of the preparation of an individual for Holy Orders, and a successful course of study will have great bearing on the final admission to the canonical process. However, at all times, the canons and the requirements of the Bishop and his/her DCOM will control the process for ordination.
Each student is strongly advised to become familiar with the applicable canons and with the individual requirements of the Bishop of the Diocese and the DCOM so that the work at Mercer will properly complement the process leading to ordination.
A “Rule of Life” should be part of every Christian’s daily discipline, and the Daily Office of the Church is an essential part of that Rule. All students seeking ordination will be instructed in the Daily Office and will be expected to read and pray it as part of their pattern of daily devotions.
THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES FOR THE DIACONATE
The diaconate, as a distinctive order, recalls to the Church, the Body of Christ, that Jesus Christ came to serve, and that the Church has a servant identity. Ordained deacons personify, sacramentalize and enable the ministry of service to which all Christians are called at baptism. The diaconate was the first order to be instituted by the Church (Acts 6:2-7). A deacon is instructed in the Service for Ordination of Deacons, to “make Christ and his redemptive love known by your word and example,…to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world…to assist the bishop and priest in public worship and in the ministration of God’s Word and Sacraments.”
The Mercer School of Theology offers a curriculum designed to provide an academic foundation in biblical, historical and theological studies; specific pastoral and liturgical skills; and experience that will permit the future deacon to function effectively in both parish and social ministry. A Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all requirement of the three-year course of study.
Courses are open to all individuals wishing to deepen their theological awareness, or who wish to prepare for lay ministry. The Mercer School of Theology actively seeks students for the diaconate and for lay ministry preparation.
Admission to the Diaconal Program for members of the Episcopal Church is contingent upon a person being granted Postulancy by his/her Bishop recommendation of the DCOM.
Further information is available upon request from the Director of Mercer about the Diaconate Formation Program. merceroffice@dioceseli.org