+ Day of Discernment and Information – Nuts & Bolts Diocese of Arizona May 3, 2014 Nuts and Bolts of the Application Process

+ A Linear Attempt to Explain a Very, Very Non-Linear Process…

+ First things first… Complete and submit the “Declaration of Intent to Seek Postulancy” (FORM 1) to the COM Secretary by June 16, After FORM 1 is submitted, the individual is considered an Aspirant. The Aspirant should request that his/her Sponsoring Priest appoint a Parish Discernment Committee. Please refer to the reading list and schedule of deadlines in the folder often.

+ An Assigned COM Shepherd Role of the COM Shepherd  Get to know the Aspirant in a deeper way  Meet with Aspirant’s partner/spouse to answer questions, if requested

+ Parish Discernment Committee Parish Discernment Committee (PDC):  Appointment of a Discernment Committee Chair who has been trained by the COM is highly recommended. The Sponsoring Priest can contact the COM Secretary to arrange a consultation with a COM parish discernment specialist  PDC composed of five to seven members; one should be from the Vestry  PDC should also include members who do not know the Aspirant well  Sponsoring Priest attends first meeting of PDC

+ And now a word about deadlines… Deadlines should be considered the last possible date for something to occur. The PDC may submit their report to the Sponsoring Priest whenever their work feels complete; however, the Sponsoring Priest should inform the PDC of the latest deadline which their report can be submitted to the Priest and Vestry. Although the deadline for priest applicants to submit Forms 2, 3 & 4 is November 1st for Priest and December 5 for Deacon, the PDC needs to complete their work prior to the date appointed for the previous vestry meeting. This will impact the timing of other parts of the evaluation process (e.g., medical and psychological). Please the COM Secretary when forms are mailed.

+ Now, back to the PDC… Primary task of PDC is to help discern God’s call, to refine the Aspirant’s ability to articulate his/her call to priesthood, and to be a support for the Aspirant whether or not the ordination process continues. PDC meets a minimum of four times. The COM recommends that PDC meetings be two weeks apart; however, the COM is aware of some effective PDC work done when weekly meetings were necessary. PDC provides a report of the results of the discernment process (FORM 2, pg 2) to the Sponsoring Priest by the deadline set by the Sponsoring Priest…no vote taken and no requirement for consensus.

+ S’more PDC… During discernment, the Aspirant meets regularly with the Sponsoring Priest for support and feedback. If the PDC report finds that the Aspirant is prepared to move forward and the Sponsoring Priest and the Vestry agree, the Vestry signs and submits FORM 2 (pg 1). The application fee of $725 to cover the cost of the psychological evaluation accompanies Form 2.

+ Application Fee The sponsoring parish is to pledge financial support and encouragement according to the canons. In cases of financial need, a request to the Bishop for waiver of the application fee must accompany FORM 2 in lieu of a check.

+ Health Evaluations The Sponsoring Priest will send a confidential letter of recommendation to the Bishop by November 1 for Priest and December 5 for Deacon. The Aspirant then becomes a Nominee. Medical and Psychological Evaluations can be scheduled after FORM 2 (pp 1 & 2) have been received. Nominee must schedule health evaluations in time for reports to be sent to the Bishop by Jan 2 for Priest and Feb 9 for Deacons. Nominee must send a copy of “Waiver of Confidentiality and Permission to Share Information” (FORM 3) and the “HIPAA Compliant” form (FORM 4)

+ Medical Exam Nominee should retain two copies of FORM 3 (“Waiver of Confidentiality and Permission to Share Information” ); one for the medical doctor and one for the psychologist. Nominee should have a medical exam by his/her physician.  Nominee gives a copy of FORM 3 to his/her physician.  The doctor should complete the “Medical Examination Form.”

+ Psychological Evaluation Nominee should have a psychological evaluation conducted by a professional named by the Diocese. Referrals are made by the COM Secretary. COM works with a psychologist in Tucson and a psychologist in Phoenix.  Nominee should give a copy of FORM 3 to the psychologist.  Nominee should complete the “Life History Questionnaire” and “Behavioral Survey Questionnaire” prior to meeting with the psychologist.  Nominee should give the professional a copy of “Required Mental Health Evaluation From Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist.”  NOTE: The Diocese is considered the “client” for the psychological evaluation. All reports are sent to and remain in possession of the Diocese.

+ Nomination and Application for Postulancy Application to the Bishop and COM by December 15, 2014, for Priest Nominees and by January 15, 2015, for Deacon Nominees  The “Application for Postulancy” (FORM 5) shall be accompanied by answers to the required Essay Questions and the required documents (Baptismal & Confirmation Certificates, Diplomas, Transcripts, Resume).

+ Interviews with the Bishop and the COM Nominee arranges a pre-interview with the Bishop by contacting Cathy Black at the Diocesan Office. This needs to happen the week before you meet with the COM. Nominee will be informed of day and time for an interview with the COM. Interviews are scheduled for January (priest nominees) and February (deacon nominees) of After interview, Bishop decides whether to make the Nominee a Postulant based on reports by the COM and health evaluations.

+ Interviews with the Bishop and the COM [continued] COM Shepherd notifies the Nominee if he/she is recommended to continue in the discernment process. Bishop sends letter to Nominee about his decision. If the Nominee is not recommended for postulancy, the COM Shepherd will work with the Nominee to process the information and to explore what this means for his/her own Baptismal calling.

+ Background Check After being named a postulant, the Nominee completes a background check. Priest postulants will receive a bill after the results are received by the Bishop. Deacon postulants cover this fee through the Deacon Academy tuition. As with the psychological evaluation, the Diocese is the “client” and receives the report.

+ Resources Diocesan Website All deadlines, forms and reading list can be downloaded from the Diocesan website

+ Resources – The Human Connection Questions?  Contact Luisa Bonillas at  Contact your COM Shepherd- they will be assigned in the fall.

+ Come, Holy Spirit, Come!