Our Pastoral Seminary
In our pastoral seminary Collegium Anianum, men and women in the clerical career of the Ancient Celtic Church can acquire the knowledge and skills to take on liturgical and pastoral tasks. The training is designed so that it can be completed alongside a career and family. Similar to the Orthodox Church, it is not necessary to take a full theological degree in the Ancient Celtic Church. The necessary theological knowledge is taught in the seminary.
The training follows the seven old church ordination levels and initially imparts basic knowledge and methods in Celtic Christian spirituality. From the subdeacon level onwards, we deepen the topics of theology, church history and the liturgical practice of worship.
The pastoral seminar is based on scripts, teaching videos and self-study of books, oral lectures and tutorials. Each seminarian is accompanied by a personal tutor. Evidence of the acquisition of knowledge is provided through interviews and written reviews.
Comparable training and previous experience will count towards individual subjects in the Pastoral Seminary.
In the course of the spiritual path, initiation and ordination to the following levels takes place:
1. Gatekeeper (Ostiary)
The gate to the shrine is also symbolic of the sense gates or the five senses. In this level we deal with Celtic-Christian spirituality, the rule of the new monasticism and mindfulness meditation.
2. Reader (Lector)
Here we learn that the role of the lector is not only to read, but above all to listen. Among other things, we deal with the meditation of the holy scriptures and the Liturgy of the Hours among other forms of prayer and devotion. In the tradition of the ancient Church, the lector is responsible for reading the Old Testament.
3. Healer (Exorcist)
The exorcist is traditionally seen as a healer. In this level we deal with our shadow and the Christian healing arts.
4. Light bearer (Acolyte)
After dealing with our dark side, we now focus on our light sides. The light bearer is still in the nave of the church at the border of the choir and is the last step before entering the clergy.
5. Subdeacon
The subdeacon is the first step of the clergy and, depending on the tradition, still belongs to the lower or already to the higher orders. The subdeacon reads the epistle to the congregation and assists the deacon in serving at the altar. It is the last stage of one's own examination before reaching the level of deacon. Diagonally opposite the subdeacon and the lector as patron is the archangel Gabriel in the heavenly choir. In the study we deepen the Christian profession of faith.
6. Deacon
The deacon is the first level of the higher orders. He or she baptises and serves at the table of the altar. The deacon already shares in the priestly ministry, reads and teaches the Gospel to the parishioners. Diagonally opposite the deacon and the guardian is their patron, Archangel Michael, in the heavenly choir. In study we delve into the teaching of the Church Fathers, the Councils and liturgical practice.
7. Priest (Presbyter, Elder)
The priest represents the acting Christ in the Mass. Here we look at how we can resurrect Christ in us and develop our full potential. Meditation and the Jesus Prayer help us to do this. The priest stands at the altar as the threshold from the earthly to the heavenly choir. Opposite the priest and the light bearer, their patron Archangel Raphael stands in the apse of the choir. In the study we delve into Celtic theology and liturgical practice.
The clergy in the Ancient Celtic Church are regular clergy and orient their lives according to a monastic but not celibate rule. This corresponds to the image of the regular cleric in the historic Celtic Church, in which a priest was active in liturgical service to those around him, but this did not fill most of his time. The modern image of a secular cleric, working primarily for a territory or congregation, does not fit the size and philosophy of our Church.
Costs
We offer the following fee models for training at the Collegium Anianum:
- For Plus members of the Ancient Celtic Church: 0 Euro.
- All others: 36 Euros per training level, i.e. 252 Euros for all seven levels.
The costs for the books and the purchase of liturgical equipment, if desired, are borne by the seminarian. As a rule, any travel expenses incurred are not reimbursed.
