Incardination
We invite you to discover, belong, and journey with us in faith. Welcome home to the Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church—where tradition meets mission, and community flourishes.
A Call to Continuing Ministry
The Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church welcomes clergy who have heard God’s call to ordained ministry and now seek a spiritual home where they can continue to serve Christ’s people through the sacraments. Incardination is the canonical process by which already ordained clergy formally enter into ministry within our Church, bringing their gifts, experience, and pastoral heart to our community.
What is Incardination?
Incardination is the ecclesial act by which a deacon, priest, or bishop becomes canonically attached to a particular church or diocese. It recognises your existing ordination whilst establishing a new bond of obedience and communion with the Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church. Through incardination, you become part of our apostolic mission, sharing in our sacramental life, pastoral vision, and commitment to authentic Catholic tradition.
The term derives from the Latin incardino, meaning “to hinge upon”. Just as a door hinges upon its frame, so clergy are hinged upon a particular church through which they exercise their ministry. This canonical relationship ensures proper accountability, pastoral care, and unity in our shared mission.
Our Understanding
of Ministry
Within independent Catholicism, the Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church stands firmly in the great tradition of apostolic succession, maintaining the fullness of Catholic faith and sacramental life. We celebrate the seven sacraments with reverence, honour the liturgical heritage handed down through the centuries, and uphold Catholic doctrine as expressed in the Catechism, the Church Fathers, and the councils of the undivided Church.
We recognise that clergy are called to be servants of Christ’s mysteries, dispensers of grace through the sacraments, and shepherds of souls. This high calling demands both holiness of life and fidelity to tradition. We seek clergy who share our commitment to:
Valid apostolic succession and sacramental integrity
Traditional Catholic liturgy celebrated with reverence and dignity
Pastoral care rooted in charity, truth, and compassion
Formation in Catholic theology, spirituality, and canon law
Service to God’s people wherever they are found
Who Can Apply for Incardination
We welcome applications from clergy who:
Were validly and canonically ordained within a church possessing apostolic succession
Are in good standing with their current or former jurisdiction (or can demonstrate canonical release)
Embrace the doctrinal and liturgical patrimony of the Catholic Church
Are committed to living according to the canonical discipline of the AACC
Share our vision for traditional Catholic faith relevant to modern life
Clergy from Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, and Independent Catholic backgrounds may be considered, provided their orders are valid and their formation adequate. Each application is assessed individually, with careful attention to the candidate’s theological formation, pastoral experience, and spiritual maturity.
Embracing a Living Tradition
The Blessed Sacrament is both a historical treasure and a living reality. It connects us to the early Church, roots us in longstanding tradition, and offers a continual source of grace for today’s faithful. Whether you are experiencing this mystery for the first time or have celebrated it for years, the Eucharist remains at the core of our spiritual identity—a daily reminder of our call to love, serve, and be one with Christ.
May your heart be enriched as you approach the Blessed Sacrament, allowing its mystery to deepen your faith and renew your commitment to a life of worship and service.
The Incardination Process
Our discernment process is thorough, prayerful, and pastoral. We recognise that incardination is not merely an administrative act but a profound spiritual commitment. The process typically includes:
1. Initial Contact and Enquiry
Begin by contacting the Primate or designated vocations officer. You will be asked to provide basic information about your current situation, ordination history, and reasons for seeking incardination with the AACC.
2. Formal Application
Complete a comprehensive application including:
Detailed curriculum vitae
Certificates of ordination and any advanced degrees
Letters of reference from clergy and laity who know your ministry
A written statement explaining your reasons for seeking incardination
Evidence of canonical release or good standing (where applicable)
3. Verification of Orders
We carefully verify the validity of your ordination through examination of your apostolic succession lineage. This ensures that we maintain the integrity of our sacramental ministry.
4. Theological and Canonical Assessment
Candidates may be asked to demonstrate their understanding of Catholic theology, sacramental practice, canon law, and liturgy. This may take the form of written responses, oral examination, or both. The purpose is not to test academic knowledge alone but to ensure alignment with Catholic tradition and AACC practice.
5. Pastoral Interview
Meet with the Primate or his delegate for extended conversation about your vocation, pastoral experience, spiritual life, and vision for ministry within the AACC. This is an opportunity for mutual discernment.
6. Period of Accompaniment
Before formal incardination, there may be a period of accompaniment during which you become familiar with the life, liturgy, and community of the AACC. This allows both you and the Church to discern whether this is truly where God is calling you.
7. Formal Reception
Once the process is complete and both parties are satisfied, your incardination will be formalised through a liturgical act. This typically occurs during Mass, where you will make a promise of obedience to the Primate and be formally received into the clergy of the AACC.
Our Expectations of Incardinated Clergy
The Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church is a mission church, and all our clergy are active in ministry. We do not maintain sinecures or titular positions. When you are incardinated, you are joining a community that expects:
Sacramental Ministry: Regular celebration of the Eucharist and administration of the sacraments to the people of God.
Pastoral Care: Genuine care for souls, exercised through preaching, teaching, spiritual direction, and the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
Liturgical Fidelity: Celebration of the sacred liturgy according to approved rites, with reverence, dignity, and adherence to rubrics.
Ongoing Formation: Commitment to continued theological study, spiritual reading, and participation in clergy formation days or retreats.
Canonical Obedience: Acceptance of the lawful authority of the Primate and the canonical discipline of the AACC.
Self-Support: Following the example of Saint Paul, who supported himself through tentmaking whilst preaching the Gospel (Acts 18:3), our clergy are generally self-supporting. The AACC does not provide salaries, though parishes may offer stipends or support as they are able.
Safeguarding Compliance: All clergy must undergo appropriate safeguarding training and background checks, at their own expense, in accordance with the laws of their region.
Religious Life and Incardination
The Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church is establishing religious societies and orders that will deepen the spiritual life of our Church and extend our apostolic work. We welcome those who feel called to help establish new expressions of consecrated life within the AACC.
If you are a religious priest or deacon seeking incardination, please indicate this in your initial contact so that we may discern the appropriate canonical arrangement.
A Word to Those Discerning
Incardination is not a light matter. It involves a solemn commitment to a particular church and acceptance of its discipline, even as it honours your existing ordination. Before applying, we encourage you to:
Pray deeply about whether God is truly calling you to ministry within the AACC
Speak honestly with your current superior or bishop about your discernment
Examine your motives to ensure they are rooted in genuine vocation rather than dissatisfaction or conflict
Consider carefully whether you can embrace our doctrinal stance, liturgical practice, and pastoral vision
Reflect on whether you are prepared for the demands and joys of active sacramental ministry
The Church needs holy priests who will serve God’s people with faithfulness, charity, and humility. If you believe God is calling you to continue that service within the Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church, we invite you to take the next step.
Get In Touch Today
To begin the process of discernment for incardination, please contact us:
Subscribe Today
The Pilgrim Chronicle's is published as a quarterly newsletter full of articles, news and personal reflections. Complete the form below to be included in our subscriber's emails.
Sacred Encounters Between God and His People
Fostering faith, inclusion, and compassionate service within a vibrant community and beyond.
Baptism
Calling each baptised person to live as a beloved member of the Church, forever marked by the cleansing power of water and the renewing gift of the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation
A celebration of deepening one's connection with Christ, empowering you to step boldly into a life of service grounded in love, courage, and wisdom.
It is much more than a ritual—it is the living presence of Christ, a mystery that transforms our daily lives and unites us with the whole Communion of Saints.
Eucharist
Penance & Reconciliation
Anointing of the Sick
Holy Matrimony
In the quiet, humble act of confession, you are met with a divine mercy that heals wounds, restores dignity, and opens the door to a new beginning.
This sacred rite not only offers comfort during times of illness and frailty, but also gently guides our souls towards the eternal embrace of heaven.
Marriage is not merely a contract but a sacred covenant, deeply rooted in Scripture and Catholic theology, that unites two souls in a lifelong journey of divine love.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is God’s invitation to share in the apostolic mission of Jesus Christ through a life dedicated to service, teaching, and pastoral care.
Preparing for Mass
Liturgy is more than a ritual—it is the living, breathing heart of our faith. Through sacred worship, we enter into a communal journey that bridges the past and the present.
The life of the Church is filled with profound joy and here we explore how each of the seven sacraments are encountered by our clergy from across the world.
The Sacraments: Testimonials
Prayers Before Mass
Incardination into the AACC
These prayers will help centre the heart, mind, and soul, guiding worshippers to encounter Christ with reverence and an open heart.
In this sacred service, our priests and ministers bring the Blessed Sacrament to the bedside of the sick, ensuring the healing and sustaining grace of the Eucharist.
Communion to the Sick
We need priests who will serve God’s people with faithfulness, charity, and humility. If you believe God is calling you to continue that service we invite you to get in touch.
Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church
Embracing faith, inclusion, and compassionate service together.
ST THOMAS AQUINAS SEMINARY
© 2025. All rights reserved
QUICK LINKS