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We get lots of questions about being
an Old Catholic Priest. To make your
process easier, we have posted
several of the more common questions
here. If you still have questions,
just call us! Our toll free number
is 1-888-650-1817, or you can email
us by
clicking this link. Q: How
much schooling do I need to have
before I can be ordained?
That depends on how much
schooling you already have. Our
seminary program is designed to
evaluate your education, spiritual,
and life experience, and then a
custom learning program is designed
for you.
Q: Where would I go to
Seminary? I have a job and bills, I
can't go away to school!
Our Seminary is Saint Wolbodo
Seminary. You can visit their
website by
clicking here.
As far as having a job and bills
- we understand!! Our seminary has
three programs - the primary being a
School without Walls system, where
many of the courses are distance
learning. There is a week long
summer session that you are required
to attend in person each year, but
that's it.
Q: I am married, can I be a
priest?
YES! The calling to married life
and to the priesthood are completely
compatible.
Q: Do you ordain women?
Yes! The calling to the
priesthood is experienced by both
men and women.
Q: I am gay/bisexual/lesbian,
can I become a priest?
Yes! The calling to the
priesthood is experienced in all
manner of God's children. If God
gives someone a call to service, who
are we to turn them away??
Q: I like sex!! I don't think
I could be celibate - do you require
your priests to be celibate?
NO! Entering the ordained
ministry or religious life in the
Church does not necessarily involve
a promise to live as a celibate
person. Renouncing marriage is an
act of self-sacrifice in the spirit
of the gospel teaching found in
Matthew 19:12, "Some have renounced
marriage for the sake of the kingdom
of heaven." Celibacy is a beautiful,
prophetic sign of the kingdom of
heaven among us but there are other
options for our clergy.
This Church believes that you must
open yourself to understanding
whether God is calling you to make
the sacrifice of celibacy. We
believe that those who are called to
the diaconate, priesthood or
religious life may not be called to
celibacy. The two do not necessarily
go "hand in hand." Following God's
will for us is the goal and this
Church refuses to place limits on
God's will.
Q: Do Deacons and Priests get
paid? Do I have to take a vow of
poverty?
Ordained people who serve in the
Church must have alternate
employment to cover living expenses
like car or insurance payments, cell
phones, retirement funds and
whatever else the person may need.
Our clergy do not make the promise
or vow of poverty, as do some who
live in religious communities,
because they are volunteers like
every other member of the Church
community.
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