Taking a Walk within our ways
Paths of Priesthood within the nemeton
The Nemeton of the Ways has two paths forward when it comes to becoming part of the Nemeton's College of Priests.
The Nemeton has established the Acolyte program and the Dedicancy program as means to accomplish this goal.
The Nemeton has established the Acolyte program and the Dedicancy program as means to accomplish this goal.
Path of the Acolyte
A minor grade of clergy, this is primarily of position of service and study directed by the College of Priests of the Nemeton of the Ways. Duties of an acolyte include regular attendance and service in the celebrations and rites of the Nemeton, attending to their personal spiritual development through rigorous prayer and study, and abiding by the will and direction of the College of Priests. An acolyte will be paired with a senior priest who shall oversee the acolyte’s study and development. This is typically a non-permanent consecration lasting a year and a day to then be reinstituted as an acolyte, confirmed as a Dedicant Priest, elevated through ordination, or dismissed from formal service of the Nemeton. Acolytes hold no voting power within the College, though their thoughts may be solicited by the College on appropriate matters.
Path of Dedicant Clergy
From time to time, the College of Priests may choose to designate an acolyte or another student of sufficient experience as a “Dedicant Priest”. This title carries all of the rights and obligations of an ordained Priest of the Nemeton, besides voting privileges within the College, but is valid for only one (1) year, after which the Dedicant Priest must apply to the College for renewal. Qualifications for obtaining and renewing Dedicant Priest credentials are set by the College, but in short, they involve active and ongoing participation in the clergy development programs set forth by the College.
If you are interested in pursuing priesthood with the Nemeton the first step is to get involved with your community.
Contact your local Nemeton to learn more.
* For the purposes of The Nemeton of the Ways, the term “priest” is to be considered a gender-neutral title and shall be used to describe duly ordained clergy of any sex. Clergy may choose to be styled as “priestess” should that be their preference.
Contact your local Nemeton to learn more.
* For the purposes of The Nemeton of the Ways, the term “priest” is to be considered a gender-neutral title and shall be used to describe duly ordained clergy of any sex. Clergy may choose to be styled as “priestess” should that be their preference.
