Commission On Ministry Continues

The Commission on Ministry continues its ministry independently in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The Commission on Ministry exists to assist and advise the bishop in the work of raising up those who are called to ordained and licensed lay ministry, so that the Church, full of the Holy Spirit, can “empower the saints for the work of ministry.” (Ephesians 4:12)

The current Commission on Ministry consists of: William McLean, Chair, The Rev. Timothy Kroh, The Rev. Patricia Lavery, and Kaycee Reib. We are assisted by several special COM liaisons. Cheryl Wild continues to offer her professional skills as a counselor available to those in the process. The Rev. Geoffrey Wild and the Rev. Joann Piatko are also serving as COM liaisons to support our work.

In this time of transition without a bishop diocesan, we have decided to continue following the process as it was under the guidance of Bishop Sean. Our next bishop diocesan will have the prerogative to make whatever changes they may see fit; so we move forward aware that our current expectations and standards may be subject to change in the near future. Our current process of discernment and formation for ordained ministry is outlined in this document. 

We are working with people from around the diocese who are discerning calls to ordained and lay ministry. We work with each individual to provide a formation plan that will prepare them for ministry and accommodates individual needs, including work and family responsibilities. Some people in formation attend residential seminary programs. Others are formed locally through online education, or through hybrid, low-residential programs.

We encourage persons exploring a possible call to ordained ministry to speak with their priests or local clergy, or in the absence of local clergy, with their Senior or Bishop’s Warden. We invite local clergy or wardens to contact our Missioner for Ordination, the Reverend Timothy Kroh, to begin working with those discerning a call.

Twice a year we gather those in discernment or formation with the members of the Commission on Ministry for an Aspirants’ Weekend, where we pray, worship, engage in holy conversation, and share meals and fellowship. The Fall Aspirants’ Weekend is taking place September 19-20 in Grove City. Although registration is now closed, we welcome clergy or wardens to reach out to us and begin working with those who are discerning a possible call so they may attend the Spring Weekend.

– Tim Kroh