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The Traditional Old Roman Catholic Church and The Western Rite Old Catholic Church |
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| 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. |
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IncardinationThis page gives general information for those wishing to inquire about incardination into the American Traditional Catholic Church |
Religious LifeFor those wishing information on the Religious Congregations expressing their charism within the Church. |
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Secular Institute of
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Stella Maris SeminaryOur seminary program is not limited to those seeking Holy Orders. Programs are available for the laity seeking aditional training in the faith as well as clergy and religious from other jurisdictions wishing additional training. |
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Stella Maris Seminary CatalogOur Seminary catalog provides detailed information on admission requirements, degrees and programs, course descriptions and other relevant information. All candidates for Holy Orders must fulfill all the requirements outlined in the Seminary catalog. |