Commission on Ministry

The Commission on Ministry (COM) advises and assists the Bishop in determining present and future opportunities and needs for the ministry of all baptized persons in the Diocese; in recruiting and selecting persons for Holy Orders; and in guiding and examining Postulants, Candidates, and Deacons in training for priesthood. The COM provides financial assistance for the continuing education of clergy and lay professionals. The COM also assists parishes in discerning appropriate candidates for Holy Orders.

To facilitate its work, the COM is divided into these committees:

• Laity Committee 
• Diaconate Committee 
• Priesthood Committee

The process of ordination to the priesthood in the Diocese of Rochester is described in detail in "The Commission on Ministry: Vocational Discernment Handbook."

By diocesan canon, the COM is both elected and appointed. The Commission on Ministry shall consist of not more than nineteen(19) nor less than nine (9) persons, no more than a simple majority of which may be from either the clerical or lay order.  Terms are three years. After serving two terms, a member must rotate off for at least one year. A simple majority of the members are elected at Convention. The remaining membership is appointed by the Bishop.

 The COM meets the 1st Saturday of every month, from 9-11 a.m. Committees may have additional meetings.