High Desert School

What
We Do

The High Desert School of Ministry (HDSM) is a local three-year program of formation for ordained ministry–diaconate or priesthood.

HDSM is a partnership between the dioceses of Eastern Oregon and Idaho. The partnership is a part of the Iona Collaborative, which is a local formation program developed out of the Seminary of the Southwest. Iona originated as a formation program out of the Diocese of Texas.

Curriculum

The curriculum for HDSM includes extensive academic modules on Holy Scriptures, Church History, Theology, Ethics, Anglican Studies, Liturgics, and Practice of Ministry.  Additionally, modules will be taught in missiology, homiletics, multiculturalism, congregational life, spiritual practices and pastoral care.

Video instruction is provided by professors from Seminary of the Southwest (Austin, TX), with mentors/teachers facilitating classroom discussion and reflection.  Students will have reading, writing, and viewing assignments to complete each month.

The class for HDSM begins in the fall of each year.

HDSM Weekends

HDSM weekends are held nine times per year, usually once per month, at Ascension School Camp and Conference Center in Cove, Oregon (outside of La Grande).
The High Desert School for Ministry offers Eucarist Services, Sundays when they meet in Cove, 11:00 a.m. at the Ascension Chapel.
In order to enroll in this program, the student must be in the ordination process in either the Diocese of Eastern Oregon, or Idaho. The student must have the approval of both the Commission on Ministry in his/her diocese, and the Diocesan Bishop.

 

HDSM Weekend dates for 2022-2023:
September 16-18, 2022
October 21-23, 2022
November 18-20, 2022
December 9-11, 2022
January 13-15, 2023
February 24-26, 2023
March 17-19, 2023
April 14-16, 2023
May 12-14, 2023
June 9-11, 2023

Program Costs

The cost of the program is $3,582/ year. The fee covers:

$1,800       Lodging and meals at Ascension, Cove
$1,782       Tuition

Students should estimate the following additional expenses each year:

$   175        Books and materials
$1,600       Travel expenses (depending on distance)

Bearing the cost of this education is a shared endeavor between the student and his/her congregation.  It is expected that congregations will contribute significantly toward this education, and that students will solicit additional funding from their sources.

Enrollment Details

In order to enroll in the High Desert School of Ministry, students must be in the ordination process in their respective dioceses.  Students must have the endorsement of their Commission on Ministry and their bishop.  Students must complete the application process.

Application Instructions:

  • Download and complete the HDSM Application (linked below).
  • Complete application, and obtain signatures of COM chair and Bishop.
  • Complete Essay questions.
  • Send completed application, essays, photocopy of transcripts and spiritual autobiography to:

The Rev. Holladay Sanderson
HDSM
3805 Sherwood Drive
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
revsanderson@gmail.com

If you would like more information about how you can enroll in Eastern Oregon please contact Lisa Boquist, Diocesan Administrator and she will direct you to the right person.

School Resources:

Policy Manual

This is a 3-year formation program for persons who are in a process toward ordination.
Download

Application

Student must have approval from the Commission on Ministry in order to apply to HDSM.
Download