Timing

A frequent question I get is, "When will you be ordained?".  Well, nothing is cast in stone and my plan may not be God's plan, but it goes something like this.

There are a couple paths, but ithey both start like this: In the Fall of 2011, enter the Seminary.

A normal 4 year program will see me ordained as a transitional deacon in the summer of  2014 and as a priest in the summer of 2015. (I'll be 59) Completion of the 4 year program also results in a Masters of Divinity.

However, since I am such a geek and an engineer by training and nature, I may be asked to take a 5 year program.  The 1st year of that 5 year program is pre-theology, pre-philosophy, pre-everything.  The remaining 4 years are the same as the other track  This track will will see me ordained as a transitional deacon in the summer of  2015 and as a priest in the summer of 2016. (I'll be 60)

My dad, who is fast approaching 91, is hoping for the 4 year program.  I hope so too, but is seems likely that the 5 year program is in my path.  I'll get to practice my obedience to the bishop early if he says, "5 year".