The Episcopal Catholic Institute stands as the official educational ministry of The Episcopal Catholic Church. The Institute is dedicated to nurturing seminarians with a rich and robust curriculum that delves deep into the venerable traditions of the faith. Our comprehensive program offers an immersive study of the Church's historical evolution, its contemporary challenges, societal impacts, and pastoral roles.

Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to ensure a balanced and thorough theological education, augmented by extensive spiritual guidance. Our aim is to cultivate well-rounded clergy equipped to meet the spiritual needs of their communities with resilience and wisdom.

For those drawn to a life of spiritual leadership and service, and for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Anglican - Catholic theology, this institute offers a path to profound personal and professional growth. To learn more about our program or to explore enrollment options, please contact us via email. We are here to assist you on your journey toward clerical excellence.

The Institute welcomes clergy and laity from other communions and denominations that wish to learn more about sacramental theology.

STAFF

The Venerable
M. Caleb Hayes

Administrator & Instructor
Archdeacon & Canon to the Ordinary
The Church of the Risen Christ

The Most Reverend
Justin L. Gates

Chancellor
Presiding Bishop & Primate
The Church of the Risen Christ

The Most Reverend
Shane R.F. Hughes

Instructor
Archbishop Primate
The Metropolitan Old Catholic
Church - UK

Courses Offered

  • For anyone wishing to study the Bible or beginning Christian ministry or theological study

    -A Study of 39 Articles of Religion
    -Hermeneutics
    -Old Testament Survey
    -New Testament Survey
    -Survey of the Apocrypha
    -A Survey of Church History

  • Ideal for Lay Readers, acolytes, sacristans and worship leaders

    -Morning & Evening Prayer
    -Introduction to the Liturgy
    -Sacramental Theology 1: Intro to Sacraments: Theology & Practice  
    -Sacramental Theology 2: Theology of the Mass
    -Sacramental Theology 3: Liturgical Calendar & Seasons
    -Serving at the Altar: Roles and Reverence  

  • Ideal for Deacons, chaplains and parish caregivers

    -Theology of Pastoral Ministry
    -Crisis & Grief Care (Last Rites, Funerals, Hospital Visits)
    -Pastoral Approaches to Marriage
    -Pastoral Approaches to Death & Dying
    - Parish Administration
    -Diaconal Ministry and Community Engagement

  • Ideal for Priest

    Structure Overview

    Term I – Foundations of Episcopal Catholic Identity

    Focus: History, theology, scripture, and spiritual foundations

    Term II – Sacramental and Liturgical Theology

    Focus: Sacraments, liturgy, ceremonial practice, and worship leadership

    Term III – Pastoral Ministry and Applied Theology

    Focus: Pastoral care, leadership, ethics, and ministry practice

    Final Integration Period

    Focus: Practical ministry integration and final assessments

    TERM I – FOUNDATIONS OF EPISCOPAL CATHOLIC IDENTITY

    Module 1: History of the Church (Essential Module)

    Duration: 6 weeks

    Topics:

    Week 1: Origins of Catholic Christianity
    • Early Church (1st–4th centuries)
    • Apostolic succession
    • Development of sacramental theology

    Week 2: Medieval and Post-Reformation Developments
    • Western Catholicism
    • Eastern Orthodoxy
    • The Reformation and its impact

    Week 3: The Old Catholic Movement
    • Vatican I and papal infallibility
    • Formation of Old Catholic Churches
    • Utrecht succession

    Week 4: Founding of the Episcopal Catholic Church
    • Early development and vision

    Week 5: Theology and Distinctives of the Episcopal Catholic Church
    • Freedom of belief
    • Sacramental emphasis
    • Theosophical influence
    • Inclusivity and openness

    Week 6: Modern Episcopal Catholic Church and Contemporary Mission
    • Global presence
    • Progressive ministry
    • Role in modern spirituality

    Module 2: Introduction to Scripture

    Topics:

    • Week 1: Structure of the Bible
    • Week 2: Old Testament overview
    • Week 3: New Testament overview
    • Week 4: The Gospels
    • Week 5: Symbolic and mystical interpretation
    • Week 6: Episcopal Catholic approach to scripture

    Skills Developed:

    • Reading scripture devotionally and theologically
    • Preaching preparation

    Module 3: Foundations of Theology

    Topics:

    • Week 1: What is theology?
    • Week 2: Nature of God
    • Week 3: The Trinity
    • Week 4: Christology
    • Week 5: The Holy Spirit
    • Week 6: Human nature and divine image

    Module 4: Spiritual Formation and Prayer

    Topics:

    • Week 1: Personal prayer disciplines
    • Week 2: Meditation and contemplation
    • Week 3: The Daily Office
    • Week 4: Sacramental spirituality
    • Week 5: Developing a personal rule of life

     

    -End of Term Assignment-

    TERM II – SACRAMENTAL AND LITURGICAL THEOLOGY

    Module 5: Sacramental Theology

    Core Study of the Seven Sacraments:

    • Week 1: Baptism
    • Week 2: Confirmation
    • Week 3: The Eucharist
    • Week 4: Absolution
    • Week 5: Holy Unction
    • Week 6: Holy Matrimony
    •Week 7:  Holy Orders

    Module 6: The Eucharist – Theology and Practice

    Topics:
    • Week 1: Symbolism of the Mass
    • Week 2: Role of priest, deacon, and servers
    • Week 3: Energy work and sacramental intention
    • Week 4: Celebrating the Eucharist reverently

    Module 7: Liturgy and Ceremonial

    Topics:

    • Week 1: Vestments and their meaning
    • Week 2: Liturgical seasons
    • Week 3: Liturgical colors
    • Week 4: Sacred space
    • Week 5: Church symbolism
    • Week 6: Ritual movement

    Practical:

    Practical 1: Setting the altar

    Module 8: Preaching and Homiletics

    Topics:

    • Week 1: Writing sermons
    • Week 2: Preaching techniques

    Practical:

    • Delivering sermons

    -End of Term Assignment-

    TERM III – PASTORAL MINISTRY AND APPLIED THEOLOGY

    Module 9: Pastoral Care

    Topics:

    • Week 1: Role of clergy as pastor
    • Week 2: Listening skills
    • Week 3: Supporting the sick
    • Week 4: Visiting the dying
    • Week 5: Grief and bereavement care
    • Week 6: Spiritual guidance

    Module 10: Ministry Ethics and Safeguarding

    Topics:

    • Week 1: Ethical ministry
    • Week 2: Professional boundaries
    • Week 3: Safeguarding adults and children
    • Week 4: Confidentiality

    Module 11: Church Leadership and Administration

    Topics:

    • Week 1: Leadership styles
    • Week 2: Running a parish or mission
    • Week 3: Church governance
    • Week 4: Mission development
    • Week 5: Community building

    Module 12: Episcopal Catholic Identity and Mission

    Topics:

    • Week 1: Ministry to all people
    • Week 2: Serving diverse communities
    • Week 3: Ecumenism
    • Week 4: Modern spiritual needs
    • Week 5: Mission in contemporary society

    -End of Term Assignment-

    PRACTICAL MINISTRY COMPONENT

    Students must complete:

    • Serve at 5 Eucharists
    • Assist in 5 sacramental rites
    • Deliver 5 sermons
    • Participate in pastoral visits
    • Lead at least one service

    Lay participants may observe and optionally participate.

    -End of Course Assessment-

    SPIRITUAL FORMATION REQUIREMENTS

    All students are expected to:

    • Maintain regular prayer practice
    • Attend Eucharist if time permits
    • Participate in spiritual reflection

    Ordinands additionally:

    • Meet with spiritual director (recommended)

    RECOMMENDED CORE READING

    Introduction to Christian Liturgy – Frank C. Senn

    The Indispensable Guide to the Old Testament – Angela Bauer-Levesque

    Guidebook to the New Testament – Patrick Gray

    History of Christianity – Michael Collins & Matthew A. Price

    CERTIFICATION

    Upon completion:

    Diploma in Theological Studies

    DELIVERY FORMAT OPTIONS

    • Online weekly class (recommended)
    • Monthly check in
    • Online Delivery of Course

  • -Anglicanism
    -Introduction to Sacred Liturgy
    -The Parson’s Handbook
    -Survey of The Book of Common Prayer
    -Homiletics
    -Hermeneutics

Application for Admission

Admission as a student to The Episcopal Catholic Institute requires each applicant to state the belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and accept Him as Savior.

The Institute will consider transfer credits from other institutions. Please note that the transferability of credits earned at The Episcopal Catholic Institute are solely at the discretion of the receiving institution. Again, we stress that we are a religious institution and not a secular one, and our certificates are designated as such. We seek not to prepare men and women for the work of the world, but rather for the work of the Lord, as such, WE ARE NOT ACCREDITED by any government agency.