Listed on this page are a number of files you may download to begin the formal process toward Ordination in the Diocese of Northwest Texas.  Before you download and begin using these files, you must have the permission of the Bishop and of your Rector (or Canonical equivalent) to begin your participation in this process.

• Forms for everyone interested in the Ordination Process

• Forms for Ordination to Priesthood

• Forms for Ordination to Diaconate

• Helpful Reading for all Inquirers

Also, while it is your responsibility to insure that all of the steps have been taken and forms completed at the appropriate times, the Commission on Ministry and others involved in your process are most willing to explain things and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to ask for assistance!

(Please note that all files are all in .pdf format, which requires that Adobe Acrobat Reader be installed on your computer in order to read and print the files. Most computers have Reader already installed. If your computer does not, click on the "Acrobat Reader" button below to download a free copy from Adobe.)

Forms for Everyone, Whether Applying for the Diaconate or the Priesthood

• HODC Guide --  Holy Orders Discernment Committee Guide, a short book for congregational groups to use in helping individuals determine in what manner God might be calling them.  The Guide is a step by step manual for who should be in this group, how often to meet, what's the agenda, etc.  This is a "how to" manual.

• HODC Handbook --  Holy Orders Discernment Committee Handbook, a work of short readings, as a supplement to the Guide.  Don't know much about the Theology of Holy Orders?  This is a book of readings, giving historical, theological, and pastoral insights.

• Inquirer for Holy Orders Information Form -- to be completed and returned to the Bishop’s Office.

• DEROS Application --  Discernment and Evaluation for Readiness for Holy Orders Studies (DEROS) -- This conference is required of those in diaconal formation, and all of the routes to priesthood.  Currently there is one DEROS event per year.  For exact dates, and more information concerning DEROS contact the Commission on Ministry.
  

• Medical Forms --  This is the Church Pension Fund forms for the required  medical exams.

• Psychological Evaluation Information -- Below are several forms from Church Pension Fund to be completed by the applicant and sent to the licensed psychologist's office with a copy of the Autobiographical Essay, Work History, and Spiritual Autobiography narratives at least one week prior to the examination.
  
  
  • Evaluation Information
  • Life History Questionnaire
  • Behavioral Screening Questionnaire
  • Release Forms
  • Mental Health Evaluation Form -- to be completed by the licensed Psychologist following the examination and mailed by their office to the Bishop's Office.
  
  (Note: All persons in the ordained ministry of the Episcopal Church must take these exams.)

Special Forms for those Applying for Ordination to the Priesthood

• Priesthood Checklist -- Just what it says, a short, no explanation given, checklist of the steps leading to priestly ordination, and a few of the first year's requirements.  Not meant to be informative, but a place to "check off" one's progress.

• Priesthood Packet --  This is a rather large document, over 60 pages long.  It includes an overview of the ordination process for the priesthood, the relevant canons, an expanded version of the checklist, the required forms (exclusive of BACAM, HODC, and the medical and psychological exams).

DEACON FORMATION IN NORTHWEST TEXAS

The documents listed below will provide helpful information and assistance to those who wish to enter the discernment process for the Diaconate Program in Northwest Texas.

The following are forms specific to Ordination to the Diaconate:

• Diaconal Preface -- A short one page overview of the diaconal formation process.
  
  

• Guidelines for the Use of Deacons --  Just what it says.  The official policy of the Diocese of Northwest Texas.
  
  
• Meaning and Function -- An official statement of the Diocese of Northwest Texas.  It is the "vision statement" of the diaconate for our diocese.  Wondering what deacons are about?  A brief definition.
  
  
• Deacon's Checklist --  A short list of the steps in the diaconal formation process.  This has just a little explanation of each step and is intended merely as a guide or a place to mark off one's progress.


• Diaconal Packet --  The Diaconal packet, which includes an expanded version of the deacons checklist, a summary of the relevant canons, and most of the forms required by the canons.


• Application for Candidacy -- Two forms, a DEROS Application, and a Certificate of Rector and Vestry need to be completed and filed with the Diocesan Office.

Helpful reading for ALL Inquirers:

• The Canons of the National Church
• The Canons and Constitution of the Diocese
• Link to various Bible Studies
• The Anglo-Deacon Mailing List- (A Yahoo group)
• Association for Episcopal Deacons (AED) website
• Anglican Timeline, made available by the Society of Archbishop Justus.

Other articles about and from the program:

• Fr. Jim Liggett's Article on the Theology of the Diaconate
• Canon Veal's Chronology of the Diaconate, 325-1988
• Pam Dunbar's Proverbs for the Diaconate.
• Canon Veal's Notes on Anglican Polity

FOR MORE INFORMATION contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Chair of the Commission on Ministry, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Executive Secretary for the Diocese.