Thank you for your interest in exploring your call to the priesthood with the Anacletian Brothers.
The life of a priest requires significant human maturity and sound judgment. To be sure that the people of God are ministered to properly, we have set the following minimum standards for candidates considering the Anacletians.
For those who have not previously been ordained
The Statutes of the Anacletian Brothers allow no one under 20 to be admitted, and in fact, given the delayed maturity in the West today, a person does not enter before he is 23.
Since adaptability to such a life becomes increasingly difficult after mid-life, the upper age limit is 55, though candidates over 50 are not often considered.
A reposed, open and sociable character is very desirable.
In addition, candidates for the priesthood are asked to have some knowledge of Latin and a liberal arts background if at all possible, with at least two years of college.
Those considering a call to the life of a consecrated religious brothers are encouraged to have a high school education or the equivalent.
For those who have studied or been ordained by another Christian Church
We consider applications from those who have studied in or graduated from a seminary, as well as those ordained in the Roman, Anglican, Old Catholic, or Lutheran traditions. The applicants education and experience is reviewed by the House of Bishops & Superiors for consideration of direct incardination or the need for additional training & evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
For those who are from the Protestant Churches, a modified seminary program is available.
Application Process
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Once an interest is expressed by someone, they are assigned a vocations promotor, who conduscts a survey of their suitability. In addition to the conditions listed above, the applicant must:
*Live within 75 miles of a professed member;
*submit their academic, work resume and three letters of recommendation for review;
*pass a criminal background check in every state where they have resided. The applicant bears the cost of the checks;
*submit a written statement of faith which exames their calling to the religious life, and the current state of their “spirital health;”
*Meet face-to-face with the Anacletian they live closest to to discuss the vocations and educational program;
Seminary & Training
For those with no prior seminary
Upon acceptance into the noviciate of the Anacletians, you are placed in our Seminary program at a level that takes into consideration your past academic and life experiences. If you enter at the first year, you can expect a 4 year process before ordination to the priesthood, or a three year process before taking your perputual vows.
Each of the first four year of seminary has the same basic requirements:
*5 classes;
*an increasing number of hours in direct social justice ministry work in your local community;
*attendance at the yearly retreat / or general chapter of the order.
At the end of each academic year, you are evaluated and considered for advancement to the next adademic year. Failure to meet all the requirements each year will prevent you from moving forward to the next.
At the conclusion of the third year, the candidate is ordained to the diaconate. The next year, known as your “deacon year” has you completing five classes, and assigned to either ministerial duties or continued social justice work. Upon successful completion of your diaconal year assignment, you are then ordained a priest.
At the completion of the entire seminary program, the applicant will have completed twenty courses, 576 hours of community social justice ministry, spent six days on retreat, and twelve days in community with his brothers.
For those interested in being a professed brother
Brothers who live and work a life of selfless service to the people of God have long been the backbone of the church. Applicants for consecrated religious life are required to have a high school education or the equivalent. An educational and mentoring program has been specifically designed to prepare you for a life of prayer and work. The program is three years in length, from entrance to taking your life vows.