Independent Sacramental Movement Education Directory

Listing of Formation Schools, Institutes, and Programs

The Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM) is a diverse and global constellation of jurisdictions, communities, and traditions. Educational needs vary widely across Independent Catholic, Independent Anglican, and Independent Orthodox contexts. This directory provides a free, non-promotional listing of institutions offering theological, pastoral, liturgical, or ministerial formation that may be relevant to ISM clergy, clergy-candidates, and lay ministers.

No institution pays to be listed.
No institution is endorsed.
This directory exists solely to inform.

⚠️ Important Disclosures

Please read carefully:

Programs listed here may or may not be accredited. Accreditation varies by country, region, and institutional type.
Programs may or may not be suitable for ordination or licensure in your jurisdiction. Standards vary greatly across Independent Catholic, Independent Anglican, Old Catholic, and Independent Orthodox bodies.
Listing does not imply recognition or recommendation.
Always consult your bishop, jurisdiction, or formation director before enrolling in any program.
Some institutions operate fully online; others require residency, mentorship, or parish-based formation.
Theological orientation varies (Catholic, Anglo-Catholic, Orthodox, ecumenical, progressive, conservative, etc.). Ensure that an institution fits your theological commitments.

🔍 How to Use This Directory

Start by consulting your bishop or jurisdiction.
Discern whether you need:
- Academic theology
- Sacramental/liturgical formation
- Pastoral skills
- Spiritual/theological development
- A degree vs. non-degree training
Verify accreditation if you need transferability or wider recognition.
Contact the institution directly to confirm current curricula and expectations.

🧭 Guidance for Discernment Before Enrolling

Before choosing a program:

Identify your theological tradition (Independent Catholic, Old Catholic, Anglo-Catholic, Independent Orthodox, Liberal Catholic, etc.).
Contact your jurisdiction about requirements for ordination or licensing.
Ask about accreditation, transferability, and curriculum rigor.
Verify that the institution is active and stable.
Seek mentoring or spiritual direction alongside academic study.

This directory supports education, transparency, and cross-tradition collaboration — but your vocation and formation require personal discernment.

🌍 Premier Academic Opportunity (Union of Utrecht)

Although not part of the Independent Sacramental Movement, the following program is the leading academic introduction to Old Catholicism recognized internationally and rooted in the historic Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht:

Old Catholic Theology: Contexts and Calling – Utrecht Summer School (Netherlands)

Format: In-person • 2 weeks • English
Hosted by: Old Catholic Seminary, University of Utrecht
Focus: Old Catholic ecclesiology, liturgy, history, pastoral theology, ecumenism, canon law, and lived practice.
Audience: Open to clergy, laity, students, and ecumenical partners.

This is the most academically rigorous Old Catholic educational experience available globally.

🔗 Link: https://utrechtsummerschool.nl/courses/humanities/old-catholic-theology-contexts-and-calling

✝️ Independent Catholic / Old Catholic Seminaries & Formation Programs

(Alphabetical listing for neutrality)

Agape Seminary

A distance-learning seminary serving Independent Catholic communities, offering programs in theology, ministry, and sacramental practice.
🔗 https://www.agapeseminary.org

Agape Seminary – Louisville

A Christian seminary offering theological formation for Independent Catholic clergy candidates.
🔗 https://agapeseminarylouky.weebly.com

American National Catholic Theological Institute

Historical program of the American National Catholic Church focused on academic and pastoral formation.
🔗 https://www.ancti.org (if offline, use: https://www.americannationalcatholicchurch.org)

Ascension Theological College – The Ascension Alliance

Offers formation for clergy and laypersons in Independent Catholic and interspiritual traditions.
🔗 https://www.ascensionalliance.org/ascension-theological-college

Ave Maria Theological Seminary – Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos (OMM)

Independent Catholic seminary emphasizing Marian spirituality, pastoral formation, and sacramental theology.
🔗 https://www.orderofmarytheotokos.org

Hildegard Theological School

A theological program with focus on pastoral ministry, spirituality, and sacramental formation.
🔗 https://www.hildegardtheologicalschool.org

Independent Catholic Ordinariate – Seminary

Formation program for clergy and candidates within the Independent Catholic Ordinariate (ICO).
🔗 https://www.independentcatholicordinariate.org/seminary

Living Spirit Catholic Community – Educational Program

A progressive Catholic community offering theological education and vocational discernment resources.
🔗 https://livingspiritccd.org/education

M.E.D.S. – Ministerial Education and Development Services

Independent Catholic continuing education, certificate programs, and formation.
🔗 https://www.meds.education (verify; some programs operate under jurisdictional names)

North American Old Roman Catholic Church – Seminary (NAORCC)

Traditional Old Roman Catholic formation in theology, pastoral ministry, and liturgy.
🔗 https://www.naorcc.org/seminary

Order of Celtic Franciscans – Celtic Catholic Church of the Americas: Seminary

Online formation for clergy and laity grounded in Celtic Catholic spirituality.
🔗 https://www.celticcatholicchurch.org/seminary

St. Anthony’s House of Liturgical Studies

An Independent Catholic liturgical formation house focused on sacramental practice, rubrics, and liturgical theology.
🔗 https://www.stanthonysliturgicalhouse.org

St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary – Online Education for Catholic Jurisdictions

An online seminary offering theological and ministerial preparation for diverse Independent Catholic jurisdictions.
🔗 https://www.stthomasaquinasseminary.org