Commission On Ministry
“Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.” Frederick Buechner
We are all called to ministry by virtue of our Baptism. God gives us each gifts and a community of believers to help us discern those gifts. God’s gifts often take time to unfold as we develop and hone the skills needed to make the best use of them. They may not always bring us happiness, which is fleeting, but when we use them fully, we feel a joy within our soul. We know that we are living into what God calls us to be and to do. When we apply those gifts to “the world’s greatest need,” as Dr. Buechner says, we are living into our vocation.
The Commission On Ministry, affectionately known as COM, is an important part of the community of discernment. It is established by Title III of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, which addresses the ministry of all baptized persons. It requires that each Diocese create a Commission on Ministry consisting of priests, deacons, and laypersons to provide advice and assistance to the Bishop In:
In the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, the Bishop serves, by virtue of her office, as Commission President. The Archdeacon for Deacons also serves by virtue of her office. Six laypersons and six clergy members round out the roster, serving in staggered 3-year terms. The Standing Committee, which is responsible for certifying the readiness of candidates for ordination, assigns a liaison to the COM. The liaison has voice, but no vote on matters that come before the Commission.
COM meets monthly and conducts a winter retreat for Postulants and Candidates. Other formation and discernment opportunities, in collaboration with the Stevenson School for Ministry and others, are in development. The Vice President of the Commission meets with the Bishop on a regular basis to plan agendas and schedule interviews with people in discernment. Members of the Commission serve as Companions in Discernment for nominees, postulants, and candidates as they make their way through the ordination process.
| Diocese of Central Pennsylvania The Rt. Rev. Audrey Scanlan, President |
The Ven. Jane Miron, Archdeacon for Deacons
Deacon St. Thomas, Lancaster
| CLERGY MEMBERS: | |
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| The Rev. Richard C. Bauer | |
| The Rev. Carlos de la Torre |
| The Rev. Sarah L. Weedon |
| The Rev. John Harwood |
| Lay Members: |
| Mr. William Lord |
| Elena Bartlett |
| Ms. Jane Elizabeth Miller |
| Ms. Mary Novello, Vice President |
| Dr. Marion Schwartz Mr. Christyn Seay |
| STANDING COMMITTEE LIAISON |
Quick Links to forms needed for the Discernment Process and Other Information
Nominee Application (Word file) .pdf
Ordination Checklist .pdf
Outline for Ordination
Postulancy Application
Parish Letter of Support
Medical Exam Form
Candidacy Application
Vestry Endorsement for Candidacy
Ordination Application for Vocational Diaconate
Ordination Application for Transitional Deacon
Vestry Endorsement for Ordination as Vocational Deacon
Vestry Endorsement for Ordination as Transitional Deacon
Application for Ordination as a Priest
Vestry Endorsement for Ordination as a Priest
Canonical Descriptions of Licensed Lay Ministries
Press Releases
For the most recent COM press release, click here.
