The Deanery Process is the second step in the ordination process—when an Aspirant moves into the Deanery Process, he or she becomes a Postulant. While the Local Process is intimate and close to home, the Deanery Process telescopes out to a regional perspective.

Postulants will meet with their deanery’s Ordination Preparation Team (OPT) during the Deanery Process to assess the Postulant’s character and calling to Holy Orders. To prepare for this interview, Postulants should be familiar with the Ordination Vows for a Priest or Deacon in the Book of Common Prayer, To Be a Christian (Anglican catechism) and The Canons on Ordination of the ACNA. After this interview, the OPT will then submit a written recommendation to the Rector, Dean and diocesan office. 

During this stage, a Postulant will also enter an ongoing relationship with the Regional Dean who will be the Bishop’s representative in their area. The Dean is equipped to discuss the needs and culture of a region and provides a broader community for the Postulant. An in-depth conversation between the Postulant and the Dean will determine next steps along the Path of Discernment.