Ordination within the Sanctuary Liberal Catholic Church

The Sanctuary Liberal Catholic Church (TSLCC) welcomes those who feel called to ordained ministry within an inclusive, sacramental, and pastoral tradition. Ordination is understood as a journey of prayerful discernment, spiritual formation, and service to the People of God.

All candidates for ordination are expected to demonstrate a genuine vocation, a commitment to the values of TSLCC, and a readiness to serve with integrity, humility, and compassion.

 

The Path to Ordination

Ordination within TSLCC proceeds through Holy Orders allowing candidates to grow progressively in responsibility, formation, and ministry.

Aspirant 

A 3 month period of initial discernment.

Candidate for Ordination

A one year period of discernment from Candidate to Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate.

Transitional Deacon

A two year period of continued discernment. 

A ministry of service, charity, and pastoral care

Permanent Diaconate

The Permanent Diaconate is a ministry rooted in service, humility, and presence. It stands at the meeting place of altar and world, prayer and action, church and community.

Ministry of Deaconess

The Deaconess is called to a ministry of service (diakonia), standing at the intersection of liturgy, pastoral care, and outreach. This office is not primarily about authority, but about presence: being attentive to human need, especially where there is vulnerability, exclusion, or suffering.

Priest

A ministry of sacrament, preaching, and pastoral leadership.

Bishop

A ministry of oversight, unity, and apostolic continuity within the Church.

 

Eligibility for Holy Orders

  • Open to people of all genders and sexualities

  • Open to those who are single, married, divorced or partnered.

  • Candidates must demonstrate spiritual maturity, theological readiness, and pastoral suitability

A Church of Inclusion and Discernment

TSLCC affirms that God’s call to ministry transcends gender, sexuality, and marital status. We seek to nurture diverse vocations and support each person in responding faithfully to their calling.

Those who feel called are warmly invited to begin a conversation of discernment with us.