Holy Orders

Discerning Ordained Ministry

It is our hope that the faith of every baptized person impacts how they make decisions and live their life. This takes intentional work on the part of the individual and the church. We call this process Discerning Ordained Ministry. Discernment can lead to many outcomes: identifying a meaningful vocation, volunteer opportunities, joining a religous order and, sometimes, a call to ordained ministry.

We invite you to become familiar with the diocesan procedures for Discerning Ordained Ministry.

Persons who believe they might be called to ordained ministry should begin by reading the procedures and talking with their clergy. They should also plan to attend Ministry Discernment day offered annually by Bishop Rivera and the Commission on Ministry (contact the Secretary for Vocations for the specific date). Do not ask for an appointment with Bishop Rivera or Bishop Rickel. An appointment with Bishop Rivera will be initiated by the Secretary for Vocations when their nomination file is complete.

The primary contact for questions is the Secretary for Vocations:

Sue Reid

Discerning Ordained Ministry
Diocesan procedures for Discerning Ministry

Diaconate Nomination Information
Nomination Information for the Diaconate
(This form is an editable pdf document.You may type directly into the form.)

Priesthood Nomination Information
Nomination Information for the Priesthood
(This form is an editable pdf document. You may type directly into the form.)

Personal Financial Statement
Personal Financial Statement