A vocation to ordained ministry is a call to give one’s life in service to Christ and His Church. It is discerned through prayer, participation in the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church, faithful service within a parish community, and openness to the guidance and judgment of the Church.
The Eparchy seeks men who desire to grow in holiness, who love the people of God, and who demonstrate the spiritual maturity, integrity, stability, generosity, and pastoral charity needed to serve communities with patience and fidelity.
Beginning the Discernment
Men who sense a possible call to ordained ministry in the Romanian Greek Catholic Church are invited to contact the Eparchial Vocation Office for a confidential initial conversation.
Contacting the Vocation Office does not begin a formal application or presume admission to formation. Initial discernment ordinarily includes:
If further discernment appears appropriate, the candidate will be guided through the applicable documentation, references, evaluations, background screening, safeguarding requirements, and formation process.
The Diaconate
The Eparchy gives particular attention to forming men for the diaconal ministry of the Divine Liturgy, the Word of God, and charity. The diaconate is a full and proper order of service within the life and mission of the Church.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate a life of prayer, fidelity to the Romanian Greek Catholic tradition, active participation in a parish or mission, generosity in service, emotional and relational maturity, and the ability to work patiently with both clergy and faithful.
Some men will continue their ordained ministry as deacons. Others, after a period of faithful and fruitful diaconal service, may manifest signs of a further call to the priesthood.
Discernment for the Priesthood
A deacon whose spiritual maturity, pastoral charity, apostolic zeal, sound judgment, and capacity to guide a community indicate a possible call to the priesthood may be invited by the Eparchial Bishop to consider a distinct process of priestly discernment.
Such discernment requires the free desire of the deacon, the judgment of the Eparchial Bishop, appropriate consultation and evaluation, and completion of the formation required for the priesthood.
Ordination to the diaconate does not guarantee admission to priestly formation and does not create a right or expectation of ordination to the priesthood.
Formation
Formation takes place under the authority of the Eparchial Bishop and in accordance with the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, the spiritual and liturgical heritage of the Romanian Greek Catholic Church, applicable particular law, and relevant formation standards in the United States or Canada.
Formation integrates the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions of the candidate’s development. Particular attention is given to the candidate’s capacity to serve generously, collaborate with others, receive guidance, exercise responsible leadership, and accompany the faithful with patience and charity.
The particular program and duration depend upon the ministry being discerned, the candidate’s circumstances and previous preparation, and the requirements applicable to the place and institution of formation.
Formation Expenses
Candidates are ordinarily responsible for the expenses associated with their diaconal formation. With prior approval, an accepted candidate may seek voluntary sponsorship or participate in approved fundraising efforts to assist with these expenses.
All financial responsibilities and any permitted fundraising arrangements will be explained in writing before formation begins. Payment of formation expenses or receipt of sponsorship does not guarantee continuation in formation or ordination.
Contact
For inquiries concerning the priesthood or diaconate:
Very Rev. Iuliu Vasile Muntean, J.C.L.
Director of Vocations
Eparchial Office: (330) 493-9355
Email: [email protected]