Are you called to serve?

A vocation to the clerical or Religious life is a call to service. It is not a "popular" vocation and requires deep commitment and resolution which may often be tested as one progresses towards ordination or the vowed life. A male candidate must be atleast 18 years of age before his application for admission is considered. Candidates may elect to pursue studies for the Diocesan (secular) priesthood or Religious. For those wishing to consider the Religious life as a means of expressing their clerical vocation, application must also be made to the Prior of the Order for admission. The American Traditional Catholic Church makes provision for married clergy and does not impose clerical celibacy on the clergy. Provisions are made in the Rule of Life for the Discalced Carmelites of this jurisdiction through the Third Order. The Third Order was established for those married clergy and the laity who wish to attach themselves more closely to the work of the order and ministerial work of the Church.

The process for training of clergy for the American Traditional Catholic Church is two-fold in approach. Because clergy must be able to address both the secular and spiritual issues facing society, the training of clergy takes into account a need for training in a secular profession as well as a program of theological training. The seminary program consists in developing a proficiency in Sacred Scripture, Church History, Theology, and Pastoral Studies as well as two of four electives (Ancient languages, Monastic Spirituality, Evangelism or Social Justice). Candidates for Holy Orders shall arrange for mentorship with a senior priest. The mentor shall monitor the candidates progress throughout the program, evaluate, proctor examinations and provide feedback to both the candidate, the Seminary Rector and the Presiding Bishop. Upon completion of the program, the Mentor shall make recommendation for ordination.

Specific provisions exist Canonically for clergy wishing to transfer into the Church from other Catholic jurisdictions and Rites. These transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis with the individual circumstances given sensitive consideration.

We recognize the role of women in the life of the Church. Although Holy Orders are reserved to male applicants, women may be drawn to an expression of their vocation as a Sister or Nun of the Second Order with the Discalced Carmelite Servants of Mercy - Disciples of the Blessed Sacrament or as a Benedictine nun. Further, women may be drawn to serve God through this Church as catechists, teachers, nurses, social workers, therapists, or other non-clerical leadership roles in the Church.

For further information, please select one of the links below or send email to our Vocations Director.