Seminary

Anamcara Seminary

"Anamcara" is Gaelic for "soul friend" – a key concept in Celtic Christian spirituality.

 

Mission Statement

To form contemplative, compassionate, and courageous clergy rooted in the mystical beauty of the Celtic tradition, the sacramental life of the Old Catholic Church, and the radical inclusivity of Christ’s love.

 

Program Structure (3-Year Pathway)

Each year includes:

  • Core Courses
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Pastoral Practicum
  • Retreats & Pilgrimage
  • Community Circles (mutual spiritual direction / soul friendship)

 

Year One: Roots and Revelation

Theme: Deep Roots in Sacred Soil

Core Courses:

  • Introduction to Old Catholic Theology
  • History of the Celtic Church (Iona, Lindisfarne, Pelagius, Brigid, Patrick, etc.)
  • Biblical Hermeneutics Through a Celtic Lens
  • Liturgy and Sacrament in the Old Catholic Tradition
  • Creation Spirituality and Eco-Theology

 

Spiritual Practices:

  • Daily Office (Celtic style)
  • Lectio Divina in nature
  • Dreamwork and soul conversation

 

Practicum:

  • Service in inclusive, ecumenical worship
  • Community garden or eco-justice ministry

 

Year Two: Fire and Formation

Theme: Mystery, Ministry, and Mutuality

Core Courses:

  • Celtic Spirituality and Mysticism
  • Pastoral Theology in Inclusive Contexts
  • Queer Theology and the Body of Christ
  • Sacramental Theology and Inclusive Rites
  • Liberation Theology and Indigenous Wisdom

 

Formation Focus:

  • Icon writing or mandala prayer
  • Gender-expansive theology of priesthood
  • Supervised pastoral care in a hospital or shelter

 

Practicum:

  • Preaching and presiding in inclusive liturgies
  • Liturgical design with seasonal Celtic themes

 

 

Year Three: Waters and Witness

Theme: Vocation in the Flow of Grace

Core Courses:

  • Ethics of Hospitality and Nonviolence
  • Ecclesiology and the Synodal Church
  • Conflict Transformation and Restorative Justice
  • Interfaith and Interspiritual Dialogue
  • Rites of Passage in the Celtic Tradition

 

Capstone:

  • Design and lead a Celtic-Inclusive liturgy
  • Write a theological reflection paper on your spiritual journey
  • Prepare for ordination or commissioned lay leadership

 

Inclusive Elements Woven Throughout

  • Open to all genders, sexualities, races, and traditions
  • Trauma-informed pedagogy and spiritual direction
  • Use of inclusive, non-binary language for God and humanity
  • Communion table open to all
  • LGBTQIA+ affirming and BIPOC-centred praxis

 

Modality

  • Hybrid: online classes, monthly in-person retreats
  • Optional pilgrimage to sacred Celtic sites (Iona, Glendalough, Brittany)
  • Community discernment for ordination in the Old Catholic lineage