Vocations in the Holy Catholic Church

 The Holy Catholic Church takes vocations to the diaconate, priesthood and religious life very seriously. We believe this is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Your decision requires prayer, discernment and consultation with others. The Holy Catholic Church requires theological and vocational training for active ministry. It would be wise to do some research on Independent Catholicism and its various jurisdictions (including ours) to ensure that you are in agreement with the principles and precepts of the jurisdiction.

Vocation' - /vo·ca·tion/ [voh-key-shuhn] noun

• A specified occupation, profession, or trade.

• A special urge, inclination, or predisposition to a particular calling or career, especially a religious one.

General Vocations / Holy Orders Information The Holy Catholic Church (HCC) is divided into two distinct Dioceses. Please select the Vocations Director for your area:

The Metropolitan Archdiocese of America Most Rev. John Rubar
5425 Kaiki Drive
Diamondhead hccmdn@aol.com​

The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Europe Most Rev. Nickolay Troyan Kranoarmeskaya Str. #13 Lubimovka Village, Kakhovka Distr., Kerson Region74822 Ukraine Tro-nikolaj@andex.ua

The Metropolitan Archdiocese of India Madan Bala Raju Vijayanagaram, Koutala Sirpur, Komaram Bheem Asifabad Hyderabad,Telangana, pin code :504299 India +91 86884 92855 balamadan@yahoo.com

​The Metropolitan Bishop of Western Russia *Bp. Maslenniko Aleksei Sergeevich Nikitskaya Street House 6, Apartment 38 Kursk, Russia 305029 al-maslennikov@yandex.ru,

* Our clergy are ordained within apostolic succession. * We celebrate the seven sacraments of the Catholic tradition. * We ordain men and women 21 years of age or older. * We accept men and women who wish to enter into religious vows. * We do not discriminate based on marital status or sexual orientation. * Our clergy and religious live on their own or in small groups. * Being turned down or discouraged by other denominations does not automatically exclude you from ministry within the HCC. Remember: "The stone which the builder rejected will be our cornerstone.” * You should be actively involved volunteering or in a ministry to those in need. Some people by nature of their job or occupation meet this requirement. * Ordinations usually take between 1 and 3 years based on the training and experience of the candidate and the amount of time you have to devote to the educational process. * Clergy are not paid by nor are funded by the national Church. * Training continues after ordination.

1. Speak to the appropriate bishop or his designee. Basic questions can be answered during an initial phone conversation. Ask for a phone number via e mail.

2. If, after the conversation, you are interested in pursuing ordination with us, a vocations application will be forwarded, or you can request one via email after you have had time to reflect on our conversation. You must provide an e-mail, postal address and a contact phone number.

3. We will contact you only once to make sure you received the application. We will respect your need for discernment. Please consider the discernment suggestions listed below. If you wish to begin a dialogue or have any questions, we would be happy to communicate with you on a more regular basis.

4. Spend time completing the requirements in the application. Don’t rush. Completing the application can be a helpful element in your discernment process.

5. Send in the completed application, along with other required materials. You must include your Social Security number and a non-refundable money order for $100.00 to conduct a criminal background check. If you need financial help let your bishop know. Past difficulties and issues of concern do not automatically exclude someone, unless the issue(s) constitute an impediment to ordination. This is decided by a bishop.

6. Your application information will remain strictly confidential. The application is shared only with members of the vocations team.

7. An application typically takes 4 - 6 weeks to process.

8. If you are accepted as a seminarian, a course of study and training will be created that is based on your previous education and experience and may require some cost to you.

Things to consider during your application journey: Here are four simple steps to help you find direction:

1. Pray for direction, spend time in a quiet place, listen to whether the Holy Spirit is calling you and to what ministry.

2. Talk with others, consider your gifts, seek direction from your pastor or priest, a parent, or a spiritual director.

3. Listen to your feelings -- do you know where you find discomfort, or what brings you discouragement? Where do you find satisfaction? What brings you peace and joy?

4. Above all, trust in who you are and know that God loves you and wants the best for you.

If you feel God may be calling you to ministry. Pray about it, then do something about it!

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:9-11)

We pray that the Lord will guide you in your discernment.