Ecclesiastical Curriculum

## Introduction

This curriculum is designed to provide the foundation for a Deacon to pass the Ordination Exam and to demonstrate proficiency as a Church of the Holy Light clergy-candidate. The curriculum will also introduce the Deacon to diocesan history, ideology and law, and introduce the core scriptures and tenets of the Holy Light. Upon completion of the Ecclaistical Curriculum and an official letter of recommendation, the Deacon will have completed the Deanery Process and begin the Diocesan Process.

## Required Reading

* Codex of Sacred Doctrine
* Codex of Blessings
* Codex of Sacred Rites
* Diocese of Westridge
* Westridge Temple Law
* The Three Virtues

## Objectives

*Deacons who successfully complete this Ecclesiastical Curriculum will be able to :*

* Explain the nature of the Three Virtues and its importance to the faithful.
* Show proficiency in the Holy Light as a source of healing and/or defense.
* Understand the sacred doctrine of the greater Church of Holy Light.
* Understand the hierarchy and structure of the Diocese of Westridge.
* Be familiar with the history of the Diocese of Westridge..
* Know the value of prayer through regular practice.
* Be ready to complete their Ordination Exam.

## Tasks & Assignments

* Complete a personal Lexicon of Hours.
* A short essay on each of the Three Virtues.
* Undergo confession through the Rite of Penance.

## Participation

It is the responsibility of each Deacon to meet with the appropriate Diocesan authority in order to receive or schedule their next task and/or lesson. Ideally, the Deacon’s mentor(s) will be their main point of contact and assessment but in case of scheduling conflicts or unavailability, the Deacon may inquire and receive alternative methods to meet the criteria of their assigned tasks or objectives. This may be done by contacting any ordained clergy, inquisitor, or paladin-knight; they will assist in making the necessary arrangements for the Deacon to complete their Local, Deanery, and/or Diocesan Processes.

## Lexicon of Hours

Each Deacon must compile their own Lexicon of Hours during their Deanery Process to serve as a reference for personal prayer and reflection. The following prayers must be composed and written by the individual Deacon and be acknowledged by a senior clergyman or clergywoman in order to fulfill the requirements of this task:

1. morning prayer
2. midday prayer
3. prayer for the sick
4. prayer for the war-bound
5. prayer of birth
6. prayer for the wounded
7. prayer for battle
8. prayer for the dead and dying

After its initial completion, the Deacon may continue to scribe additional prayers and blessings into the pages of their Lexicon at their discretion.

## Rite of Penance

Deacons are expected to undergo at least one confession through the Rite of Penance to atone for any woes and worries before taking Holy Orders. This may be done at any point throughout the Deanery Process by any ordained clergy of the Church.

## Letter of Recommendation

Once the Deacon has met the objectives and completed all tasks set forth by the Ecclesiastical Curriculum, he or she must request a letter of recommendation from one of the following:  an ordained member of the Diocese of Westridge clergy, an active knight-paladin of the Order of Isaac, or an ordained member of the Stormwind Inquisition.

## Ordination Exam

The core objective of the Deanery Process is to prepare Deacons for their Ordination Exam during the Diocesan Process. Deacons will be expected to study and practice the skills and concepts they have learned or that are emphasized during the Deanery Process through personal practice, scheduled lessons, and individual study. Once the Deacon’s Deanery Process has been deemed complete by the appropriate Diocesan authorities, they may request to take their Ordination Exam at any time.

## Additional Resources

* “The Church and the Soldier”
* Church Terminology
* Liturgical Objects
* Stormwind Inquisition
* Order of Saint Isaac