The COM Interview can result in a few different outcome stages:
Call to Lay Ministry
The COM has listened and heard a continued call to Lay Ministry and Lay Leadership in the diocese and in the parish. The Aspirant is asked to engage further in leadership development in their local context and at the diocesan level. The Aspirant and parish leader receive a same-day phone call conveying this and a letter to self, the parish leader, and the diocesan file is sent.
Call to Diaconate
The COM has listened and heard a call to the diaconate. Aspirant is made a postulant to the diaconate. This does not guarantee ordination. The aspirant receives a same-day phone call conveying this and a letter declaring postulancy to the aspirant, parish leader, and the diocesan file is sent. The postulant is assigned to the Deacon Formation Academy, a 2-year local formation track.
Call to Priesthood
The COM has listened and heard a call to the priesthood. Aspirant is made a postulant for the priesthood. This does not guarantee ordination. The aspirant receives sa ame-day phone call conveying this and a letter declaring postulancy is sent to the aspirant, parish leader, and to the diocesan file. The postulant is invited to explore seminary options with recommendations from the Bishop & COM depending on particular formation needs as determined by the Bishop and Postulant.
Call is Uncertain
The COM has listened and is unclear what call the aspirant is articulating. This can be addressed by asking the aspirant to continue discerning in a variety of ways: at a new parish, via self-development practices with a therapist or a spiritual director, doing some Episcopal education, etc. Often looks like asking the Aspirant to return to the COM in a year for further discernment. The Aspirant & parish leader will receive a same-day phone call conveying this and a letter to self, the parish leader, and the diocesan file will be sent.
Call Raises a Concern
The COM experiences a concern about the health and well-being of the Aspirant and works with the Bishop & the Parish Leadership to get the Aspirant the help they may need to thrive as a member of the Body of Christ.
Next Step
If you are called to the Diaconate/Priesthood you then move into