THE LOCAL PROCESS

BEGIN
PROCESS

LOCAL
PROCESS

Aspirant

DEANERY
PROCESS

DIOCESAN
PROCESS

ORDINATION
PREPARATION

When an individual begins the Local Process of their Path of Discernment to Holy Orders, he or she is known as an Aspirant. The Local Process is perhaps the most significant. It is the first step in exploring God’s calling and determining not only whether to move forward, but also why.

The Local Process involves a series of profoundly in-depth conversations with the people in an Aspirant’s life and local church. During the Local Process, Aspirants will have honest conversations with their spouse about their call and work through what is best for their family. The Aspirant will have multiple conversations with a Rector and a group of people from their church to discern their call and explore exactly what shape that might take. Meanwhile, Aspirants will do the deep work of preparing a Spiritual Autobiography that expresses their call in the context of their personal history. We encourage every Aspirant to find a Spiritual Director to meet with for the entirety of the ordination process.

For everything you need to know about the Path of Discernment to Holy Orders, read the Candidate Guide below.

Important Documents

Candidate Guide

This downloadable, in-depth guide will guide individuals along the Path of Discernment. Included are practical resources, Self-Reflection Questions, information on preparing a Spiritual Autobiography, and a Frequently Asked Questions section.

Are you seeking to be ordained as a deacon or priest in the Diocese of C4SO? Complete this online application.

Get Started

If you are interested in entering into the Path of Discernment,
please contact your local Rector.


If you don’t currently attend a C4SO church, email the diocesan offices at ordination@c4so.org for next steps.