School of Sacred Studies
Overview
The Aquarian Catholic Community’s School of Sacred Studies was founded in 2010 in Arkansas. Esoteric Education, Mystical Rituals and Updated Sacraments are the foundations of the seminary curriculum and practicum. The School of Sacred Studies serves to educate clergy to perform sacramental public ministry. The Path of Holy Orders/Initiation is a structured approach for the mystical/esoteric development of the spiritual aspirant who desires to perform ministry in an Independent Catholic manner, along with those who desire ecumenical ministry.
We believe that all people already possess the attributes of priests, ministers, bishops, deacons and acolytes; our School of Sacred Studies serves to focus the spiritual striving for those on a dedicated Path of Holy Orders/Initiation. Ordination in the outer world of form may occur in 3 phases, 12 phases, or both combined. Programs are especially designed for each candidate, with the collaboration of a Program Facilitator and Bishop.
We believe that all people already possess the attributes of priests, ministers, bishops, deacons and acolytes; our School of Sacred Studies serves to focus the spiritual striving for those on a dedicated Path of Holy Orders/Initiation. Ordination in the outer world of form may occur in 3 phases, 12 phases, or both combined. Programs are especially designed for each candidate, with the collaboration of a Program Facilitator and Bishop.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
The Aquarian Catholic Spiritual Community, School of Sacred Studies, and Path of Holy Orders/Initiation, is open to all sincere aspirants. The ACSC believes that all humanity is becoming One family; we love all religions, traditions, nations, and races without discrimination of age, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation or status as a veteran.
Contact us
When you have read about what the ACSC School of Sacred Studies offers, please contact the school at: aquariancatholicspiritualcommunity@msn.com or call +Tom’s cell phone at 479.295.116. We are here to help you along your path!
Path of Holy Orders/Initiation - Descriptions
Cleric…is a preliminary step to the Minor Orders. The Cleric dedicates him or herself to God and the service of Christ. A focus is given to the physical/etheric body as the temple of the Holy Spirit/Christ-Within.
Doorkeeper…learns devotion to God and humanity through acts of service. A focus is given to the emotional/astral body to learn how tranquility develops. In former times, it was the duty of the Doorkeeper to ring the church bells and open the doors at the appointed time. In our time, the role is to usher in the control and understanding of the feeling nature.
Reader…works to control the powers of the mind and devote those to God’s service. After having worked to control the body and emotions, the candidate now works to transform the intellect. In former times, the Reader read for the Preacher, intoned the lessons, blessed bread and all first-fruits. In our time, the role is to lector and cultivate the power of concentration.
Exorcist / Healer…focuses on producing wholeness of life in others, for to heal means to make whole. In this order, the power of the will is more highly developed; transformation of the will involves culturing the heart in order to assist others with healing themselves of separateness.
Acolyte…has the responsibility to quicken the intuition and open the self to spiritual influence. Through spiritual disciplines and practices, the ego is transformed. The Acolyte bears the spiritual light of the Christ and strives to enkindle the sense of God’s Presence within the hearts of others. This final Minor Order is intended to help the candidate quicken his / her spiritual faculties and understanding. Lay Minister equivalent.
Subdeacon…is a preparatory step to the Major Orders. Purified by previous initiations, the stage is set for more profound transformations. It is at this stage that the title of Reverend is assumed by the candidate. Formerly, the Subdeacon was responsible for providing water for the service of the altar, to wash the altar lines and to guard the gates of the sanctuary. This is the start of one taking his/her place at the altar and assisting in the performance of the rites. The Subdeacon learns control of speech, love of service and diligence at the altar.
Deacon…is the first of the Major Orders. The candidate is sufficiently empowered by this initiation to administer the sacraments of baptism and marriage, to handle the sacred vessels, and to help in the care of the sick and poor. The Deacon ministers at the altar, reads the Gospel and has a larger speaking part in the rites. The Deacon may also conduct final rites. Minister equivalent.
Archdeacon…is an apprentice to the Priest and the conscience of the Spiritual Community. Through this role, the candidate learns to work more closely with others and with levels of self through explorations of transformation at a deeper level. The Archdeacon prepares for the role of Priest by examining all facets of the inner and outer life.
Priest…grows stronger spiritually as this initiation deepens his /her connection with higher spiritual energy, unified with the Great Lord Christ. The Priest is empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform sacred rites in Christ’s name. The Priest has the power to bless objects, to bless people in the Name of Christ, to give unction, to aid in an understanding of forgiveness and to celebrate the Holy Eucharist in a deeper way.
Archpriest…serves as an apprentice to the Bishop. The Archpriest is empowered to administer the sacrament of Confirmation and to administer the Ordination/Initiation of the Minor Orders and Subdiaconate. As the candidate prepares for consecration as a Bishop, he/she deepens the relationship with the four-fold aspect of the Christ, both inwardly and in the outer world of form. Inner transformation paves the way for Consecration as a Bishop.
Bishop…has received the laying on of hands which confers the Sacrament of Orders in its fullness. In this way, the apostles passed the gift of the Holy Spirit which they themselves had received from the Great Lord Christ; therefore, by a succession of Bishops unbroken from one generation to the next, the powers conferred in the beginning were handed down, and the work of the Christ continues in our time. The Aquarian Bishop serves in collaboration with all those on the Path of Holy Orders. Ordaining Official equivalent.
Archbishop…is a Senior Bishop whose particular work is to counsel and support his/her fellow Bishops. The Archbishop is a bridge between the Outer Orders of Deacon, Archdeacon, Priest, Archpriest and Bishop with the Inner Orders of Teacher, Prophet and Apostle. The Archbishop facilitates the collegial cooperation which befits the Episcopal office.
Doorkeeper…learns devotion to God and humanity through acts of service. A focus is given to the emotional/astral body to learn how tranquility develops. In former times, it was the duty of the Doorkeeper to ring the church bells and open the doors at the appointed time. In our time, the role is to usher in the control and understanding of the feeling nature.
Reader…works to control the powers of the mind and devote those to God’s service. After having worked to control the body and emotions, the candidate now works to transform the intellect. In former times, the Reader read for the Preacher, intoned the lessons, blessed bread and all first-fruits. In our time, the role is to lector and cultivate the power of concentration.
Exorcist / Healer…focuses on producing wholeness of life in others, for to heal means to make whole. In this order, the power of the will is more highly developed; transformation of the will involves culturing the heart in order to assist others with healing themselves of separateness.
Acolyte…has the responsibility to quicken the intuition and open the self to spiritual influence. Through spiritual disciplines and practices, the ego is transformed. The Acolyte bears the spiritual light of the Christ and strives to enkindle the sense of God’s Presence within the hearts of others. This final Minor Order is intended to help the candidate quicken his / her spiritual faculties and understanding. Lay Minister equivalent.
Subdeacon…is a preparatory step to the Major Orders. Purified by previous initiations, the stage is set for more profound transformations. It is at this stage that the title of Reverend is assumed by the candidate. Formerly, the Subdeacon was responsible for providing water for the service of the altar, to wash the altar lines and to guard the gates of the sanctuary. This is the start of one taking his/her place at the altar and assisting in the performance of the rites. The Subdeacon learns control of speech, love of service and diligence at the altar.
Deacon…is the first of the Major Orders. The candidate is sufficiently empowered by this initiation to administer the sacraments of baptism and marriage, to handle the sacred vessels, and to help in the care of the sick and poor. The Deacon ministers at the altar, reads the Gospel and has a larger speaking part in the rites. The Deacon may also conduct final rites. Minister equivalent.
Archdeacon…is an apprentice to the Priest and the conscience of the Spiritual Community. Through this role, the candidate learns to work more closely with others and with levels of self through explorations of transformation at a deeper level. The Archdeacon prepares for the role of Priest by examining all facets of the inner and outer life.
Priest…grows stronger spiritually as this initiation deepens his /her connection with higher spiritual energy, unified with the Great Lord Christ. The Priest is empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform sacred rites in Christ’s name. The Priest has the power to bless objects, to bless people in the Name of Christ, to give unction, to aid in an understanding of forgiveness and to celebrate the Holy Eucharist in a deeper way.
Archpriest…serves as an apprentice to the Bishop. The Archpriest is empowered to administer the sacrament of Confirmation and to administer the Ordination/Initiation of the Minor Orders and Subdiaconate. As the candidate prepares for consecration as a Bishop, he/she deepens the relationship with the four-fold aspect of the Christ, both inwardly and in the outer world of form. Inner transformation paves the way for Consecration as a Bishop.
Bishop…has received the laying on of hands which confers the Sacrament of Orders in its fullness. In this way, the apostles passed the gift of the Holy Spirit which they themselves had received from the Great Lord Christ; therefore, by a succession of Bishops unbroken from one generation to the next, the powers conferred in the beginning were handed down, and the work of the Christ continues in our time. The Aquarian Bishop serves in collaboration with all those on the Path of Holy Orders. Ordaining Official equivalent.
Archbishop…is a Senior Bishop whose particular work is to counsel and support his/her fellow Bishops. The Archbishop is a bridge between the Outer Orders of Deacon, Archdeacon, Priest, Archpriest and Bishop with the Inner Orders of Teacher, Prophet and Apostle. The Archbishop facilitates the collegial cooperation which befits the Episcopal office.
Program Facilitator is assigned to each spiritual aspirant on the Path of Holy Orders. The Facilitator co-works with the candidate to develop a program that is tailored to individual needs. Facilitators have at minimum been ordained a Deacon. Facilitators may only work with those through the degree beneath the one they themselves are currently pursuing. Facilitators and candidates meet monthly to maintain constant contact.
Financial Considerations follow the importance of an energy exchange. Candidates have options on how to realize abundance – they may make monthly love offerings of (suggested) $100 to the ACSC. Candidates may also choose to focus the energy exchange on Spiritual Service and donate a minimum of 10 hours per month in service-work. Students may also do a combination of the two…ie: 5 hours of service work per month with a $50 love offering to the ACSC. Work out financial considerations with the Program Facilitator and Bishop of the ACSC. Finances should not be a restriction to pursuing spiritual study. While we are always happy to receive financial contribution, we fully recognize the importance of energy exchange via service work.
Degrees are not offered by the ACSC School of Sacred Studies. Our focus is on inner transformation and preparing candidates for spiritual ministry.
Certificates are presented as each candidate is initiated in to the next degree. Certificates honor the work that each aspirant has completed and serve to remind us that we are all students on The Path.
Self-Paced is the focus – students complete course requirements and move through the program as quickly as they desire. There are no time limits.
Ordination rests in the collaborative decision of the candidate, Program Facilitator and Bishop. Students complete the necessary course of study and follow inner guidance as to when to seek Initiation to the next Order. Some people pursue the program for personal enrichment – others seek working towards a particular role. Move through Orders as you feel inwardly led to seek them.
Order of Maria Rosa Mystica membership is a personal choice. If you would like to learn more about the Order of Ave Maria, please contact +Tom for admission.
Prior experience is honored and recognized. Candidates with prior training or competence may apply for advanced standing with their Program Facilitator and Bishop. Applicants with prior academic theological studies will be asked to provide supporting documentation.
Distance learning is a foundation of our program. Students gain experience in their own communities and complete courses through correspondence. As adult learners, each is responsible for their own learning.
We believe that our program offers aspirants both traditional and esoteric focus to conduct public ministry. Initiative, self-discipline, personal transformation and the ability to be flexible are all good traits and useful skills for clerics. The heart of spiritual study relates to…“Honoring Inner Divinity”
Financial Considerations follow the importance of an energy exchange. Candidates have options on how to realize abundance – they may make monthly love offerings of (suggested) $100 to the ACSC. Candidates may also choose to focus the energy exchange on Spiritual Service and donate a minimum of 10 hours per month in service-work. Students may also do a combination of the two…ie: 5 hours of service work per month with a $50 love offering to the ACSC. Work out financial considerations with the Program Facilitator and Bishop of the ACSC. Finances should not be a restriction to pursuing spiritual study. While we are always happy to receive financial contribution, we fully recognize the importance of energy exchange via service work.
Degrees are not offered by the ACSC School of Sacred Studies. Our focus is on inner transformation and preparing candidates for spiritual ministry.
Certificates are presented as each candidate is initiated in to the next degree. Certificates honor the work that each aspirant has completed and serve to remind us that we are all students on The Path.
Self-Paced is the focus – students complete course requirements and move through the program as quickly as they desire. There are no time limits.
Ordination rests in the collaborative decision of the candidate, Program Facilitator and Bishop. Students complete the necessary course of study and follow inner guidance as to when to seek Initiation to the next Order. Some people pursue the program for personal enrichment – others seek working towards a particular role. Move through Orders as you feel inwardly led to seek them.
Order of Maria Rosa Mystica membership is a personal choice. If you would like to learn more about the Order of Ave Maria, please contact +Tom for admission.
Prior experience is honored and recognized. Candidates with prior training or competence may apply for advanced standing with their Program Facilitator and Bishop. Applicants with prior academic theological studies will be asked to provide supporting documentation.
Distance learning is a foundation of our program. Students gain experience in their own communities and complete courses through correspondence. As adult learners, each is responsible for their own learning.
We believe that our program offers aspirants both traditional and esoteric focus to conduct public ministry. Initiative, self-discipline, personal transformation and the ability to be flexible are all good traits and useful skills for clerics. The heart of spiritual study relates to…“Honoring Inner Divinity”
