Special Dates in Our Lives

Peter's Journal April 29, 2008

Setting aside a day to remember a particular event in our lives is a common practice in our culture.  We remember our birthday, usually our anniversary, sometimes the day we landed our first job, rarely our baptism or bar/bas mitzvah anniversary, but most clergy will always be able to point to the day they were ordained.

April 27, 2008, sitting on a plane returning from Ft. Lauderdale Florida, and shortly landing in Denver to change planes for the final leg of the journey, I pause to reflect for this is the 38^th anniversary of my ordination.

Ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church is a process that involves several steps.  Permission to attend seminary is granted by a bishop, usually the one who oversees the diocese where one attends church.  In my case it was the Diocese of Newark New Jersey and the Bishop was The Rt. Rev. Leland Stark.  I was given a psychological profile test as well as a personal interview to assure everyone I was basically sane and committed to the ministry. Three seminaries were suggested, I chose a fourth.

Virginia Seminary is a three year academic undertaking which culminates in an exam that is standardized for the entire postulant (that is the name assigned to you when you enter seminary) population, regardless of where you attended seminary.  This written exam is once again part of an oral exam/evaluation conducted by every Diocese following seminary to assure someone has remained fit for ministry.  Prior to that last screen every seminarian is asked to sign a declaration of intent towards ordination and a statement that affirms belief in the Nicene Creed, the 39 Articles of Faith, and all things necessary for salvation.  Frankly, I was the only member of my class who did not sign that when asked and did not sign it until a few weeks before graduation.  I was not ready to really commit 6 months prior to the May graduation.

However, these are the incremental steps required of a person seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church.  Graduation with a Masters Degree in Divinity does not guarantee ordination because a probationary deaconate is usually 6 month to 1 year in duration.  I do not think the church wishes to publicize this, but it is a safety valve in that there are two ordinations in reality, not just one.  The first, the one to the diaconate, was a group affair, and the second was the big deal ordination that occurred in Kansas City Missouri 38 years ago today.

I did not have to take the vow of poverty, chastity and obedience though these three personal attributes are deeply embedded in the Catholic priesthood.  Episcopalians may marry, bear and raise children, and participate in the corporate structure which enables many clergy to achieve well paying jobs.  I did all three.

Upon graduation, and clearing the “I am fit” hurdle, your Diocesan bishop is obligated to try and find a job under his jurisdiction.  Declining church numbers does not always make that possible, and in my case I asked to be released from the quid pro quo mutual obligation to seek a job on the open market.

I took a job at St. Andrew’s in Kansas City and began work in the summer of 1969 as the highest paid member of my class at the fine salary of $7500.  However, housing was provided, no the equity was not included, so when I left I could take no appreciation with me and had to start all over again at the next job which was in Pacific Palisades CA in October of 1974.

Why is any of this relevant in a world seemingly far removed from the vow of ordination?  Why, perhaps because a bit of reduction of consumption, a renewed sense of loyalty to our families and spouses, and obedience to the laws of nature might help right the ship called earth that is listing badly 38 years later.  The disparity between haves and have not's grows wider, the breakdown of sacred institutions is common, and we dominate nature rather living in harmony with her.  A recipe for disaster.

Thus on this day I re commit my life to the principles as defined above. Thanks for reflecting a bit with me.