St Michael’s Divinity School
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St Michael’s Divinity School
© 2006 St Michael’s Divinity School – Australian Church of Antioch. All Rights Reserved. St. Michael's Divinity School is under the care and guidance of Archbishop Glenn Taylor (DD) (F. Dip FSSB) (FCMD) (LCMD) (L Dip A (Aust)) (ANZM) (ANZT) (Hon SCSM) (EOSF). St Michael's School can be accessed on line for the ease of tuition for students who cannot attend any other way. Access can also be obtained via email, or snail mail. This allows students to work at their own speed. There is no time limit and each student can proceed at their own pace. An Introduction to St Michael’s Divinity School This school was founded in 2006 by the Presiding Archbishop, the Most Rev’d Frank Buggé and the Right Rev’d (now Most Rev'd) Glenn W Taylor. That highly-esteemed Archbishop Herman Adrian Spruit DD, late Patriarch of the world wide Church of Antioch wrote: “An educational programme initiated by the Church of Antioch must not only be a school, but a movement on spirit that goes beyond the reason of the academy. It must nurture the roots of life with balanced rations of mysticism. Only mysticism sustains the vitality and reality of faith. Education nowadays is often an attempt to serve the status quo. It shall not be so with us. We will lead you into brighter horizons and out into greater fulfilment. We will share many treasures with you that will open new vistas into a better and finer life.” St Michael’s Divinity School educates Independent Catholic Clergy. It also enriches the spiritual life of students, enhances their appreciation of the great spiritual traditions of the world, and promotes global awareness of our human family as a spiritual fellowship. When you have read about what St Michael’s School of Divinity offers, please write or call the school. We are here to help you along your path. |
My God My All
Archbishop Glenn Taylor
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The purpose of St Michael’s Divinity School is to provide academic and spiritual resources for the international Independent Catholic Movement and to prepare candidates for Holy Orders, particularly in the Australian Church of Antioch. The Australian Church of Antioch provides the traditional Catholic Sacraments, maintains a liberal stance, and orients participants towards spiritual development. St Michael’s Divinity School is a religious seminary providing professional certification for ministry.
The Seminary Program
St Michael’s Divinity School is a non-accredited seminary that prepares participants to be Priests in the Australian Church of Antioch, and any other Church within the Independent Catholic movement. The main mission of the Australian Church of Antioch is to provide the traditional Catholic Sacraments without restrictions to any person for reasons of race, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. The Church is characterised by a liberal viewpoint on doctrine. Thus the seminarian’s preparation includes subjects related to the sacraments as well as a broad look at perennial religious issues.
Candidates with prior training or competence may apply for advanced standing. Applications for advanced standing should be submitted to the Dean along with supporting documentation, such as transcripts, certificates, or any other pertinent documents.
Our program is predominantly a distance-learning program. This means that students can gain experience in their own communities and local churches if desired, and complete the courses through correspondence. As adult learners, students are primarily responsible for their own learning. We believe that, through this process, students not only become theologically prepared for ministry, but achieve initiative, self-discipline, and the ability to plan for specific outcomes, all of which we think are good traits and useful skills for Clergy.
The School looks with favour upon those who also supply an official police-check of their character, guaranteeing that we are not putting any person in moral danger by ordaining unsuitable candidates.
The Australian Church of Antioch reserves the right to refuse to ordain any person who fails a police-check, and reserves the right to refuse any candidate entry into the school without giving any reason for refusal, except to guarantee that such refusal is not on the grounds of race, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.
While the students wishing to become Priests in the Australian Church of Antioch are provided with a very efficient form of liturgy covering most normal services, this does not stop any candidates from using their own forms of liturgy, provided it is vetted by the Synod. The reason for such vetting is that the church needs to make sure no form of illegal, immoral, unsavoury, satanic, or any other type of such harmful ritual is practiced in the church’s name. The Australian Church of Antioch has no problem with those who wish to use Anglican, Roman, Liberal, or any other recognised religion’s rituals. Any clergy who wish to write their own ritual may do so, but, if it is to be used in the Antioch Church’s name, then it must be sanctioned as above by the Synod. Nevertheless, the Synod requests that all clergy under the Australian Church of Antioch’s name be conversant with the recommended liturgy, as it provides the parishes with a universal liturgy if many parishes wish to have a common united service for some special function.
Eligibility And Admission
The theological programme of St Michael’s Divinity School is designed for individuals who wish to seek the Priesthood or ministry in any Independent Catholic Church Jurisdiction. Candidates from jurisdictions other than the Australian Church of Antioch must have their local Bishop’s, or Church committee’s approval before registering with the school. Those who wish to study simply for their own satisfaction can discuss their particular situation with the Dean of the school.
Other Independent Churches
Any Church which has no Bishop within its ranks, but still requires a Priest with genuine apostolic succession to be ordained for it, can make arrangements with the Dean of the school for a Bishop from the Australian Church of Antioch to ordain a Priest for that Church. Any request for this service must be accompanied by a written request from the Church committee, and the normal police-check of their candidate’s character. This is to safe-guard all sides from any unwanted and unpleasant consequences.
Important Notice
There are some subjects that are controversial, and may not fit into the candidate’s beliefs, but we feel it is important to have a smattering of knowledge on these subjects to understand other religions, and beliefs. The school has no wish to “BRAINWASH” students, and students can feel free to voice their opinions on any subjects without any adverse effect on their tuition or grading. However, the school does not enter into any debate to justify the teaching of these subjects.
Candidates should know that Priests and Ministers in our church would be responsible for their own Ministries. The Australian Church of Antioch does not provide salaries or stipends for Clergy. Any salaries or stipends are the responsibility of the Parish that is under the care of that Priest or Minister.
While the school attempts to prepare candidates for ordination, candidates should also know that the final decision about their suitability for ordination to the Priesthood or Ministry is made in consultation with the Dean of the school and the Presiding Archbishop, the Director of Clergy, and the mentoring Bishop or Apostolic Administrator of the diocese where the seminarian resides or attends.
The Associate of Divinity (A. Div) degree (100/200) The Associate of Divinity is in two levels. Level 1: The candidate must complete all of the course 100 series. However, if they only wish to do a particular 100 course they will receive a certificate of this. On completion of all Minor Orders requirements the candidate will receive an Associate of Divinity Level 1. Level 2: the Candidate must complete all the course 200 series. As in Level 1 those who complete all the Major Orders receive the Associate of Divinity Level 2, and as in Level 1 a seminarian can opt to only do one 200 course and a certificate will be issued certifying this. The Associate of Divinity is a foundation of a professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the Priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite training for the professional practice of the Ministry for those who do not possess an associate's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. The contents include personal development, liturgical practice and pastoral care.
The Bachelor of Divinity (B. Div) degree,(300). The Bachelor of Divinity is the primary professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite training for the professional practice of the ministry including personal development, liturgical practice, and pastoral care.
The Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree (400) - Major Orders only. The Master of Divinity is an advanced professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the Priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite training for the professional practice of the ministry including personal development, liturgical practice and pastoral care at the graduate level.
Academic Rigour and Course Accreditation. Courses consist of assignments, and an examination that is in two parts. Part one is the written essay on a selected question and has to be the required length for the course level being studied and is worth 50% of the mark and an Examination paper worth 50% of the mark. Students are expected to complete their selected course in their own time-span. No time-frame is given, so each candidate can work at his/her own pace and level. Assignments are tailored to the academic level at which the candidate is working (Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's). In order to receive credit for the course, the candidate is expected to conform to the customary rigour for the level of the course. The pass mark for each subject and level is 60. The marks of both parts are added together to get an average and that average is the mark. E.g. Part 1 85/100, Part 2 79/100 = 164 = 82 pass with credit.0-59 Not Satisfactory; 60 -74 Pass; 75-84 Credit; 85-94 Honours; 95-100 First class Honours.
The Continuing Educational Programme for Clergy. Clergy who wish to continue their studies, whether for their own personal enrichment, enhanced service to others, and/or preparation for further ordination, may enrol in the Continuing Education Programme.
Fees and Official Transcripts.
All fees are kept to a bare minimum to cover costs, the school does NOT make a profit or any gain from it. All books (although few in number) are at the cost of the student. A teaching-fee of $50 per month for 2 years is set for students, payable monthly to the Australian Church of Antioch. If a seminarian goes on to further studies after ordination to Priest, a fee of $75 per course is payable to the Australian Church of Antioch. This is to cover the cost of tuition, marking and writing a report on the assignments. On completion of the course core assignment there may be an Examination or a written paper of the course. If, for some reason of hardship, a candidate cannot finish in two years, then further discussion with the Dean may be entered into, depending upon the circumstances. Completion of all the courses will not automatically guarantee ordination. This will be granted if and when the examiners agree that student is ready for the responsibility of the level studied for. Excessive illegal uncontrolled use of alcohol or drugs, or an illegal or immoral source of income shall be an absolute bar to ordination. A student will be expected to attend the Mass on a regular basis for hands-on training and enlightenment if he/she has any wish to become Clergy in the Australian Church of Antioch. Anyone registering with the Church for tuition to attain the Priesthood with the intention of starting a Parish under the Australian Church of Antioch may be granted the authority to hold prayer-meetings and such, in effect starting a Parish during their training, but a Mass cannot be performed by anyone below the rank of Priest. A degree will be awarded and ordination recommended upon completion of the academic, requirements. Books and other course materials are not included in the cost of the tuition.
A more detailed discussion of Holy Orders.
Holy Orders are one of the Sacraments of the Church, a special initiation into the service of Our Lord Jesus Christ. They are available to qualified candidates who feel a calling to devote themselves to Christ in this intimate way. Candidates in Holy Orders receive a transmission or ordination, which empowers them with the authority to perform sacred duties. The ritual of ordination is an outward act of an inner reality. Each order is an initiation in itself, with its own values. Once a person has been spiritually prepared, then he or she is ready to advance to another stage of development. These ordinations link the candidate with Christ. It is said that Holy Orders were instituted by Christ, and that the first Bishops were Consecrated by the Apostles to act as instruments through which Christ performs his work. There are two groups of Orders - the Minor and the Major. In the Australian Church of Antioch candidates for orders receive an initiation to serve as a server at the beginning, which carries an immense blessing, preparing the aspirant for entry into the sanctuary of the altar. After this acceptance, the minor orders begin: Cleric, Doorkeeper, Reader, Healer/Exorcist and Acolyte. The Major Orders are: Sub-Deacon, Deacon and Priest. Each order emphasises a special attribute and an intention to produce a precise effect. With each succeeding order, the candidate makes a determined effort towards the unfolding of the characteristics in each stage of development.
The Seminary Program
St Michael’s Divinity School is a non-accredited seminary that prepares participants to be Priests in the Australian Church of Antioch, and any other Church within the Independent Catholic movement. The main mission of the Australian Church of Antioch is to provide the traditional Catholic Sacraments without restrictions to any person for reasons of race, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. The Church is characterised by a liberal viewpoint on doctrine. Thus the seminarian’s preparation includes subjects related to the sacraments as well as a broad look at perennial religious issues.
Candidates with prior training or competence may apply for advanced standing. Applications for advanced standing should be submitted to the Dean along with supporting documentation, such as transcripts, certificates, or any other pertinent documents.
Our program is predominantly a distance-learning program. This means that students can gain experience in their own communities and local churches if desired, and complete the courses through correspondence. As adult learners, students are primarily responsible for their own learning. We believe that, through this process, students not only become theologically prepared for ministry, but achieve initiative, self-discipline, and the ability to plan for specific outcomes, all of which we think are good traits and useful skills for Clergy.
The School looks with favour upon those who also supply an official police-check of their character, guaranteeing that we are not putting any person in moral danger by ordaining unsuitable candidates.
The Australian Church of Antioch reserves the right to refuse to ordain any person who fails a police-check, and reserves the right to refuse any candidate entry into the school without giving any reason for refusal, except to guarantee that such refusal is not on the grounds of race, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.
While the students wishing to become Priests in the Australian Church of Antioch are provided with a very efficient form of liturgy covering most normal services, this does not stop any candidates from using their own forms of liturgy, provided it is vetted by the Synod. The reason for such vetting is that the church needs to make sure no form of illegal, immoral, unsavoury, satanic, or any other type of such harmful ritual is practiced in the church’s name. The Australian Church of Antioch has no problem with those who wish to use Anglican, Roman, Liberal, or any other recognised religion’s rituals. Any clergy who wish to write their own ritual may do so, but, if it is to be used in the Antioch Church’s name, then it must be sanctioned as above by the Synod. Nevertheless, the Synod requests that all clergy under the Australian Church of Antioch’s name be conversant with the recommended liturgy, as it provides the parishes with a universal liturgy if many parishes wish to have a common united service for some special function.
Eligibility And Admission
The theological programme of St Michael’s Divinity School is designed for individuals who wish to seek the Priesthood or ministry in any Independent Catholic Church Jurisdiction. Candidates from jurisdictions other than the Australian Church of Antioch must have their local Bishop’s, or Church committee’s approval before registering with the school. Those who wish to study simply for their own satisfaction can discuss their particular situation with the Dean of the school.
Other Independent Churches
Any Church which has no Bishop within its ranks, but still requires a Priest with genuine apostolic succession to be ordained for it, can make arrangements with the Dean of the school for a Bishop from the Australian Church of Antioch to ordain a Priest for that Church. Any request for this service must be accompanied by a written request from the Church committee, and the normal police-check of their candidate’s character. This is to safe-guard all sides from any unwanted and unpleasant consequences.
Important Notice
There are some subjects that are controversial, and may not fit into the candidate’s beliefs, but we feel it is important to have a smattering of knowledge on these subjects to understand other religions, and beliefs. The school has no wish to “BRAINWASH” students, and students can feel free to voice their opinions on any subjects without any adverse effect on their tuition or grading. However, the school does not enter into any debate to justify the teaching of these subjects.
Candidates should know that Priests and Ministers in our church would be responsible for their own Ministries. The Australian Church of Antioch does not provide salaries or stipends for Clergy. Any salaries or stipends are the responsibility of the Parish that is under the care of that Priest or Minister.
While the school attempts to prepare candidates for ordination, candidates should also know that the final decision about their suitability for ordination to the Priesthood or Ministry is made in consultation with the Dean of the school and the Presiding Archbishop, the Director of Clergy, and the mentoring Bishop or Apostolic Administrator of the diocese where the seminarian resides or attends.
The Associate of Divinity (A. Div) degree (100/200) The Associate of Divinity is in two levels. Level 1: The candidate must complete all of the course 100 series. However, if they only wish to do a particular 100 course they will receive a certificate of this. On completion of all Minor Orders requirements the candidate will receive an Associate of Divinity Level 1. Level 2: the Candidate must complete all the course 200 series. As in Level 1 those who complete all the Major Orders receive the Associate of Divinity Level 2, and as in Level 1 a seminarian can opt to only do one 200 course and a certificate will be issued certifying this. The Associate of Divinity is a foundation of a professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the Priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite training for the professional practice of the Ministry for those who do not possess an associate's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. The contents include personal development, liturgical practice and pastoral care.
The Bachelor of Divinity (B. Div) degree,(300). The Bachelor of Divinity is the primary professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite training for the professional practice of the ministry including personal development, liturgical practice, and pastoral care.
The Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree (400) - Major Orders only. The Master of Divinity is an advanced professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the Priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite training for the professional practice of the ministry including personal development, liturgical practice and pastoral care at the graduate level.
Academic Rigour and Course Accreditation. Courses consist of assignments, and an examination that is in two parts. Part one is the written essay on a selected question and has to be the required length for the course level being studied and is worth 50% of the mark and an Examination paper worth 50% of the mark. Students are expected to complete their selected course in their own time-span. No time-frame is given, so each candidate can work at his/her own pace and level. Assignments are tailored to the academic level at which the candidate is working (Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's). In order to receive credit for the course, the candidate is expected to conform to the customary rigour for the level of the course. The pass mark for each subject and level is 60. The marks of both parts are added together to get an average and that average is the mark. E.g. Part 1 85/100, Part 2 79/100 = 164 = 82 pass with credit.0-59 Not Satisfactory; 60 -74 Pass; 75-84 Credit; 85-94 Honours; 95-100 First class Honours.
The Continuing Educational Programme for Clergy. Clergy who wish to continue their studies, whether for their own personal enrichment, enhanced service to others, and/or preparation for further ordination, may enrol in the Continuing Education Programme.
Fees and Official Transcripts.
All fees are kept to a bare minimum to cover costs, the school does NOT make a profit or any gain from it. All books (although few in number) are at the cost of the student. A teaching-fee of $50 per month for 2 years is set for students, payable monthly to the Australian Church of Antioch. If a seminarian goes on to further studies after ordination to Priest, a fee of $75 per course is payable to the Australian Church of Antioch. This is to cover the cost of tuition, marking and writing a report on the assignments. On completion of the course core assignment there may be an Examination or a written paper of the course. If, for some reason of hardship, a candidate cannot finish in two years, then further discussion with the Dean may be entered into, depending upon the circumstances. Completion of all the courses will not automatically guarantee ordination. This will be granted if and when the examiners agree that student is ready for the responsibility of the level studied for. Excessive illegal uncontrolled use of alcohol or drugs, or an illegal or immoral source of income shall be an absolute bar to ordination. A student will be expected to attend the Mass on a regular basis for hands-on training and enlightenment if he/she has any wish to become Clergy in the Australian Church of Antioch. Anyone registering with the Church for tuition to attain the Priesthood with the intention of starting a Parish under the Australian Church of Antioch may be granted the authority to hold prayer-meetings and such, in effect starting a Parish during their training, but a Mass cannot be performed by anyone below the rank of Priest. A degree will be awarded and ordination recommended upon completion of the academic, requirements. Books and other course materials are not included in the cost of the tuition.
A more detailed discussion of Holy Orders.
Holy Orders are one of the Sacraments of the Church, a special initiation into the service of Our Lord Jesus Christ. They are available to qualified candidates who feel a calling to devote themselves to Christ in this intimate way. Candidates in Holy Orders receive a transmission or ordination, which empowers them with the authority to perform sacred duties. The ritual of ordination is an outward act of an inner reality. Each order is an initiation in itself, with its own values. Once a person has been spiritually prepared, then he or she is ready to advance to another stage of development. These ordinations link the candidate with Christ. It is said that Holy Orders were instituted by Christ, and that the first Bishops were Consecrated by the Apostles to act as instruments through which Christ performs his work. There are two groups of Orders - the Minor and the Major. In the Australian Church of Antioch candidates for orders receive an initiation to serve as a server at the beginning, which carries an immense blessing, preparing the aspirant for entry into the sanctuary of the altar. After this acceptance, the minor orders begin: Cleric, Doorkeeper, Reader, Healer/Exorcist and Acolyte. The Major Orders are: Sub-Deacon, Deacon and Priest. Each order emphasises a special attribute and an intention to produce a precise effect. With each succeeding order, the candidate makes a determined effort towards the unfolding of the characteristics in each stage of development.