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Faced with the need for clergy leadership in small congregations, the Rt. Rev. Don Wimberly, 8th Bishop of Texas, set a course of action to address this challenge. Gathering clergy and lay lead-ers from around the diocese, he charged the group with develop-ing and establishing an internal diocesan school to train persons for the priesthood and diaconate.

Soon thereafter, Bishop Wimberly’s vision came to fruition and the Iona School for Ministry was born. A three year program of required study, including a rigorous curriculum of academic, practical and liturgical instruction, was established for persons to become Priests and Deacons. Following graduation and comple-tion of the discernment process, students would be ordained into the priesthood or diaconate. Priests were assigned to small churches serving as head-of-congregations or pastoral leaders, and for no monetary reward. Deacons served in congregations and organizations assisting with and leading various ministries, also with no financial recompense.

Today, the Iona School for Ministry has added a track for lay leaders and lay professionals interested in augmenting their the-ological studies, forming missional communities, or being li-censed in the canonical areas of ministry (preacher, worship leader, catechist, evangelist).

The school has welcomed students from several dioceses from across the country including Fort Worth, Nebraska, New Hamp-shire, Oklahoma, West Louisiana, West Texas, and Wyoming. Since its opening in the fall of 2004, the Iona School for Ministry has graduated 56 Priests, 38 Diaconal students, and 4 Lay Pro-fessionals.

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The Iona School offers three ministry tracks - Bi-Vocational Priest-hood, Diaconate, and Lay Formation Ministry. Each of the three tracks is academically rigorous, focusing on the same Core Theo-logical Curriculum.

The Bi-Vocational Priesthood and Diaconate tracks are designed to meet the academic, liturgical and practical aspects of formation necessary for ordained ministry and include two years of signifi-cant field work; the Lay track offers comparable rigorous formation for licensed and missional ministry leaders.

All bi-vocational priest and diaconate students are recommended to the school by the Executive for Ministry following the Commis-sion on Ministry’s discernment process. The Bi-Vocational Priesthood By definition a bi-vocational priest is an ordained minister who serves congregations that are unable to afford a fulltime priest. Those serving in this ministry are either still employed in a fulltime career or are retired. Upon graduation, bi-vocational priests within the Diocese of Texas are assigned to small churches serving as non-stipendiary Heads-of-Congregation. The Diaconate By definition a deacon exercises "a special ministry of servant-hood" directly under the deacon's bishop, serving all people and especially those in need (BCP p. 543).

In their non-stipendiary roles as models of Christ’s servanthood, deacons are the bridge between the church and the world working with parish outreach, community organizations and missional com-munities particularly around local and global social justice con-cerns. Additionally, they represent the servant in the liturgy, teach, prepare candidates for the sacraments of baptism or confirmation, provide pastoral care and officiate at various pastoral offices.

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The Lay Ministry The Iona School for Ministry offers three different programs for lay studies. Lay students study side by side with persons on ordina-tion tracks. None of the three lay programs are designed to lead to ordination. Upon the successful completion of the rigorous course work, a diploma is awarded.

If you wish to deepen your theological foundation, bring a new lev-el of understanding and knowledge to your life and ministry, and wish to make a deeper commitment to the mission of the church, then, we invite you to prayerfully consider this unique educational opportunity. -Theological Immersion Program The Theological Immersion program (3 years) prepares lay lead-ers for ministry in missional communities, and/or assisting local parishes through preaching, teaching and ministry formation. It also provides a significant theological foundation for persons called to work as lay professionals in the church. Successful com-pletion of the program qualifies graduates, on the recommenda-tion of their rector and approval of the bishop, to be licensed as lay preacher, worship leader, lay evangelist, and catechist. -Lay Preacher Program The Lay Preacher Track (1.5 Years, three semesters) arises from Bishop Doyle’s requirement for an adequate level of theological education in order to issue a lay preaching license. This three-semester preaching course satisfies his expectation. Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates, on the recommen-dation of their rector and approval of the bishop, to be licensed as a lay preacher. -Worship Leadership Program The Worship Leadership program (two semesters) offers the op-portunity to receive a deeper spiritual and theological grounding for lay worship leadership. Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates, on the recommendation of their rector and approval of the bishop, to be licensed as a worship leader.

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Students Aston Brown and Bonnie Reeves, practice Baptisms during class. The Iona School student body includes all ages, all races, and all secular back-grounds. Our diversity and our experi-ence enrich the learning community and the ministries to which we are called.

Persons residing in the Diocese of Texas desiring to attend the Iona School to follow a path to ordination, must attend a Discovery Retreat.

A Discovery Retreat is the first step for people considering or-dained ministry in the Diocese of Texas, as well as those who feel called to fuller lay ministry. The retreat is a requirement before a person’s rector assists them with the Regional Discernment Com-mittee. While attendance at the Discovery Retreat is not manda-tory for lay persons it is highly recommended.

For more information about the Discovery Retreat contact the Rev. Francene Young, chair of the Commission on Ministry*, fyoung@epicenter.org. The Commission on Ministry is the dioce-san group that considers applications for ordination.

The Rev. Keith Giblin ‘14, vicar of St. Paul’s, Orange and Spiritual Director for Happening fielding questions from participants at Happening #154.

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Individuals residing in the Diocese of Texas: Bi-Vocational Priests & Deacons Iona School only accepts applicants who have completed the pre-scribed discernment process and have met the requirements set by the Diocesan Commission on Ministry (COM). The COM em-powered a sub-committee, the Committee for the Diaconate, to oversee the discernment process and development of candi-dates for the diaconate. An applicant can enroll in the Iona School only upon the recommendation of their respective committee and receiving the approval of the Bishop Dena A. Harrison, Executive for Ministry.

To obtain an application packet for the Bi-Vocational Priesthood or the Diaconate tracks, contact Ana Gonzales May, 512-478-0580, agmay@epicenter.org. Lay Formation Training To be considered for any of the Lay programs, a completed appli-cation packet (including a letter of recommendation from the church rector, application form, resumé, and spiritual autobiog-raphy) must be submitted to the Administrator of the Iona School no later than June 29th. Acceptance to the Iona School is contin-gent upon the approval of the Dean for Diaconal and Lay For-mation, and Bishop Dena A. Harrison.

To obtain an application contact Julie Heath, 713-353-2125, julie@epicenter.org or go to IonaSchool.com/Admissions/Lay Min-isters. Individuals residing in other diocese: Bi-Vocational Priests & Deacons All students from other dioceses must be nominated by their Dioc-esan Bishop. A letter of recommendation from the Diocesan Bish-op must be submitted to the Administrator of Iona School no later than June 29th. Acceptance is also contingent upon the availability of space in the class and the approval of Bishop Dena A. Harrison. Once approved, a letter of acceptance along with a registration packet is mailed directly to the student

To obtain an application contact Julie Heath, 713-353-2125, julie@epicenter.org.

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Tuition covers the cost of overnight, double occupancy accommo-dations for two nights at Camp Allen, six meals and snacks for the weekend, instructor stipends, liturgical supplies, etc.

Students residing in the Diocese of Texas Annual tuition for all three year programs is $2,600. The Diocese of Texas subsidizes a large percentage of the cost of training for these students.

Tuition for the Lay Preacher program is $1,300 per semester for three semesters, $3,900 total. The Lay Worship Leadership pro-gram is $1,300 per semester for two semesters, $2,600 total.

Students residing in other diocese Annual tuition for students outside the Diocese of Texas is $4,000.

Additional Fees Fees not covered by tuition include: Single room up-change (optional) Graduation fee (graduating seniors only) Typical student expenses not covered by tuition include: Text books Supplies Vestments Travel Expenses School clothing (optional)

Should a student need financial assistance with tuition a financial statement along with a Request for Financial Assistance must be submitted. All inquiries are confidential. Iona School requires that the student pay something toward the cost of their education no matter how small the amount. To apply for financial assistance contact Julie Heath, School Administrator.

On occasion a student will be accepted under ‘special’ status where the curriculum is modified or customized for the specific cir-cumstances of the student. Admittance is on a case-by-case basis and is contingent upon approval from the Executive for Ministry and Academic Dean for that order.

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The Core Theological Curriculum is designed to provide students proficiency in the seven areas required by canon: Holy Scripture, Church History, Theology, Ethics & Moral Theology, Liturgy & Mu-sic, Contemporary Society, and the Theory & Practice of Ministry, as well as Diakonia for the deacon track. The curriculum is three years, consisting of six semesters. All three tracks follow this cur-riculum, except that students in the Lay Preacher program will take Dogmatic Theology in their third semester.

First Semester Second Semester

OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT

Criticism, Sources, History of Ancient Near East

Intro to the New Testament; Gospel of Mark

Pentateuch Gospels of Matthew & Luke; Acts of the Apostles

Historical Books Gospel of John

Prophetic Books & Ministry Paul and “Deutero-Paul”

The Writings Canon, The Concluding Letters, Revelation

ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL HISTORY ANGLICAN STUDIES

The Early Church English Reformation

The Imperial Church The 18

th & 19

th Century

English Church

The Medieval Church I Christianity in the Modern World

The Medieval Church II The American Episcopal Church

Continental Reformation Overview of Theology & Ethics

DOGMATIC THEOLOGY ETHICS & MORAL THEOLOGY

Doctrine of God & the Trinity Narrative & Choices

Nature & the Basis of Salvation Living Eschatologically

Trinity, Human Nature and Sin Charity & Prudence

Church & the Sacraments The Other Cardinal Virtues

Theology on the Outside Contemporary Society

Year

On

e

Year

Tw

o

Year

Th

ree

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The Iona School core curriculum is supplemented with specific classes pertaining to matters unique to those serving as Priests, Deacons or Lay Ministers. Students in all three tracks participate in most classes together. Fields of study include Theory and Practice of Ministry, Spirituality, and Liturgy. Many of the courses are listed below and on the following page. Descriptions of classes are found in the Iona School Course Catalog. In addition, time is also devot-ed to community building and spiritual formation. Fieldwork is inte-grated into all tracks, beginning in the second year. Priest students spend a significant amount of time serving as the head of a con-gregation or intern with a supervising clergy person.

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Juniors - Year 1

Addiction & Recovery Ministries Introduction to Poverty

Clergy Vesture Introduction to the Baptismal Covenant

Cultural Competency Introduction to the Daily Office

Disciplinary Canons Introduction to the Holy Eucharist

Familiarity with the BCP Listening as a Spiritual Discipline

History and Theology of the BCP Missional Ministry

Homiletics Parish Polity

Introduction to Liturgical Theology Role of Worship Leader

Introduction to Pastoral Care Rule of Life

Middlers - Year 2

Anglican Spirituality Hospital Visits

Baptisms Leading as a Steward

Burials Leading Change

Christian Formation Leading Small Groups

Diakonia Liturgical Planning

End of Life Parish Administration

Engaging the Laos in Shared Ministry Preaching Lab

Healthy and Unhealthy Conflict Reponding to Conflict

Healthy Small Congregations Review Rule of Life

Hispanic Ministries Rite of Reconciliation

History and Theology of the Diaconate Rites of Christian Initiation

Holy Eucharist & Prayers of the People Role of Worship Leader

Weddings

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The Middlers (Year 2) and the Seniors (Year 3) spend Friday evening of the Iona School weekend reviewing their respective Field Work assignments. While the focus of the session is to report on the progress of assignments, this is also an opportunity for stu-dents to share experiences, seek direction from mentors, and ex-plore options for ministry.

The Iona School class of 2017 celebrates graduation. L-R: Nancy Wilkes, Madge McClain, Elizabeth Miller, Becky Sparks, Ben Okoh, and Michele Bonner.

Seniors, Year 3

Preaching as a Layperson Preaching Lab

Books of the Table Refugee and Immigration Ministries

Healing Liturgies Restorative Justice

Liturgies of the Church Role of the Lay Catechist

Music for Small Churches Speaking of Vision

Pastoral Theology Spirituality of the Ordained

Theological Reflection

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The Iona School meets at Camp Allen one weekend a month for ten months from September through June. The weekend begins Friday evening and runs through Sunday lunch. A detailed sched-ule is below. Graduation is held in Camp Allen’s All Saints Chapel in June prior to student ordinations.

Friday Night

Check-in after 3:00pm

Evening Prayer 5:00pm

Dinner 5:30pm

Instruction 7:00pm

Compline 8:30pm

Saturday Day

Morning Prayer 7:30am

Breakfast 8:00am

Instruction 9:00am

Noon Day Prayer Noon

Lunch After prayers

Instruction 1:00pm

Study 3:00pm

Exam 4:00pm

Saturday Evening

Evening Prayer 5:00pm

Dinner 5:30pm

Instruction 7:00pm

Compline 8:30pm

Sunday

Breakfast 8:00am

Eucharist 9:00am

Instruction 10:30am

Lunch 12:30pm

Check-out 1:00pm

CAMPUS The Iona School meets at Camp Allen near Navasota, Texas. Camp Allen provides classrooms, a chapel, hotel accommoda-tions and meals for students & faculty when in session.

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The Iona School is fortunate to have highly qualified ordained and lay persons serving on the faculty, all of whom are knowledgeable in their field and believe in the mission of the school. The faculty includes active and retired professors from the Seminary of the Southwest, graduates of the Iona School who serve as priests and deacons in churches in the Diocese of Texas, and many other clergy and lay who are leaders in the community and professionals in their respective fields. C=Core Theological Instructor IS=Graduates of the Iona School for Ministry

Instructor

The Rev. Patsy BarhamIS

Priest-in-Charge, St. Matthew's, Henderson

The Rev. Dr. Andrew BenkoC Assistant, St. Luke’s on the Lake

Dr. Steve BishopC

Associate Professor of Old Testament, Seminary of the Southwest

The Rev. Greg BuffoneIS

Deacon, St. John the Divine, Houston

The Rev. Tamara ClothierIS

Deacon, St. Francis, Temple

The Rev. Charlie Cook Professor of Pastoral Theology, Retired, Seminary of the Southwest

The Rev. Mark CrawfordC

Dean for Priest Formation, Iona School for Ministry

The Rev. Lisa Cressman Founder and Steward of Backstory Preach-ing; Adjunct Professor of Preaching, Seminary of the Southwest

The Rev. Wanda CuniffIS

Deacon, Christ Church, Nacogdoches

The Rev. Nancy DeForest Canonically Resident Clergy, Retired

The Rev. Mary Lenn DixonIS

Dean for Diaconal & Lay Formation, Iona School for Ministry

The Rt. Rev. Andy DoyleC

IX Bishop of Texas, Episcopal Diocese of Texas

The Rev. Jason Evans Missioner for Missional Communities, Episcopal Diocese of Texas

The Rev. Beth Fain Fieldwork Supervisor, Priest Students, Rec-tor, Iona School for Ministry, St. Mary's Church, Cypress

The Rev. Ken Fields Canonically Resident Clergy, Retired

The Rt. Rev. Jeff Fisher Bishop Suffragan, Episcopal Diocese of Texas

continued)

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Instructor

The Rev. Bob Flick Fieldwork Supervisor, Priest Students, Iona School for Ministry, Rector, St. Michael's, La Marque

The Rev. Michael FloydC

Retire, Professor of Old Testament, Seminary of the Southwest

The Rev. Viktoria Gotting Rector, St. John's, LaPorte

The Rev. Patrick HallC Campus Missioner, Rice University

The Rev. Jan HalsteadIS

Deacon, Christ Church, Cedar Park

The Rev. Glennda HardinIS

Deacon, St. Stephen's, Liberty

The Rev. Phyllis HartmanIS

Deacon, St. James the Apostle, Conroe

The Rev. Lillian Hyde Chaplain, St. Luke's Hospital and Iona School for Ministry

The Rev. Nathan Jennings

J. Milton Richardson Assistant Professor of Liturgics & Anglican Studies, Director of Community Worship, Seminary of the Southwest

Gaye Jones Psychotherapist, Trinity Counseling & Con-sulting

The Rev. David KrauseC Interim Rector, St. Francis, Temple

The Rev. Dr. John LewisC

Director of the Iona Center, Lecturer in New Testament and Spirituality, Seminary of the Southwest

Canon Mary MacGregor Congregational Vitality Consultant

The Rev. Alberto MelisIS

Deacon, St. Alban's and St. Paul's, Waco

Ayesha Mutope-Johnson Christian Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Crossways Christian Counseling Center

The Rev. Eileen O'BrienC

Campus Missioner, Episcopal Canterbury, University of Houston

The Ven. Russ OechselIS

Archdeacon, Episcopal Diocese of Texas

Dr. Linda Patterson Chair, EDOT Music Commission; Choral Director, St. Peter's, Brenham

The Rev. Bertie PearsonC Rector, Grace Church

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The Rev. Ashley Cook ‘14, and the Rev. Wanda Cuniff, ‘ 07 happily dispensing Ashes on the Go.

Instructor

The Rev. Nandra PerryIS,C

Vicar, St. Phillips, Hearne

The Rev. Terry PierceIS

Vicar, St. James', Austin

The Rev. Al Rodriguez Interim Director Hispanic Church Studies, Hispanic Church Studies

The Rev. Canon Kai Ryan Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of Texas

The Rev. Dr. Gerry Sevick Rector, Trinity Church, The Woodlands

Claire Soard Generation Park Church Plant, Episcopal Diocese of Texas

Denise Trevino Missioner for Intercultural Ministries, Episcopal Diocese of Texas

The Rev. Sherry WilliamsIS

Deacon, St. Michael's, Austin

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1.The Rev. Bob Dohle, baptizing a new mem-ber into the church. 2.The Rev. Jerry Lyle (kneeling), Chaplain for Round Rock Police Department, with friends on Neighbors Night Out. 3. he Rev. Paul Skeith welcom-ing worshipers to his Tiny Church. 4.Archdeacon Russ Oechsel offers his painting skills to Bastrop homes damaged by wild fires. 5.The Rev. Mark Marmon en-tertaining volunteers. 6.The Rev. Pat Ritchie surrounded by curious students while on mission trip. 7.The Rev. Judith Jones offici-ating at nuptials at St. Paul’s, Pflugerville. 8.The Rev. Gill Keyworth comforts a victim of Hurricane Ike by replacing a cross lost in the storm.

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The Iona School for Ministry has graduated 51 priests, 36 deacons and 3 lay professionals. Above: Many former graduates joined the 10th Anniversary cele-bration luncheon at Camp Allen.

December 13, 2017

The Rt. Rev. Dena Harrison Julie Heath Executive for Ministry Administrator & Registrar 512-478-0580 W 713-353-2125 W dharrison@epicenter.org 713-303-5563 C julie@epicenter.org The Rev. Mark Crawford The Rev. Mary Lenn Dixon Dean for Priest Formation Dean, Diaconal & Lay Formation 281-684-4703 C 979-547-4231 C mtc5401@aol.com marylenndixon@gmail.com The Rev. Beth Fain The Rev. Bob Flick Priest Fieldwork Supervisor Priest Fieldwork Supervisor 281-370-8000 W 281-455-0842 C 281-772-8665 C revbobf@comcast.net revdbeth@stmaryscypress.org The Rev. Lillian Hyde The Rev. Tamara Clothier School Chaplain Deacon Fieldwork Supervisor 409-771-3091 C 254-541-9239 C lillian.hyde@comcast.net revtamara@stfraancistempletx.org

W= Work phone C=Cell phone