Vocations in the ACCA

Fr. Merrick Moses, OSB

Vicar of Formation

In the Apostolic Catholic Church in America (ACCA), vocation is about more than a title — it’s a calling to serve Christ, the Church, and the world through love, sacrament, and mission. Every baptized person has a vocation, but some are called in unique ways to ordained ministry as bishops, priests, or deacons.

We are a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled communion rooted in the beauty of Catholic liturgy and sacraments, while also embracing the needs of today’s world. Vocations in the ACCA are about sharing the Gospel, building inclusive communities, and living out justice, compassion, and faith in everyday life.

The Three-Fold Ministry

  • Bishops carry pastoral oversight, unity, and continuity in the Church. They preach, teach, celebrate the sacraments, and lead communities into deeper mission while connecting local churches with the wider Catholic tradition.

  • Presbyters (Priests) serve as pastors, preachers, and teachers in local Eucharistic communities. They celebrate the sacraments, provide spiritual care, and help form disciples so that all the baptized may live out their priestly calling.

  • Deacons embody the Church’s call to service in the world. They connect worship with justice and compassion, assist in liturgy, teach the faith, and lead communities in prayer and service.

Our Formation Process
Discerning a vocation is a journey, not a checklist. Formation in the ACCA is designed to prepare, guide, and support you as you listen for God’s call. Not everyone begins in the same place — which is why, once you are accepted into formation, our Formation Director will help tailor your education and preparation to your own background, gifts, and needs.

  • Belonging to Community – Begin as an active member of a local congregation, rooted in worship and community life.

  • Orientation and Discernment – Meet with diocesan leadership and take part in orientation, where your gifts, education, and sense of call are prayerfully considered.

  • Education and Formation – Candidates enter a personalized program of study and formation, guided by our Formation Director, with the goal of preparing both spiritually and practically for ordained ministry.

  • Ordination Timeline – Candidates will ordinarily be ordained to the diaconate after one year of formation. Those discerning the priesthood will serve as deacon for one year before ordination to the priesthood. Those called to the permanent diaconate will continue their ministry in that order.

  • Ongoing Discernment and Interview – After formation and preparation, candidates apply for ordination interviews and continue walking alongside their mentors and community.