The West Coast Collaborative Episcopal School for Ministry is a new, combined ministry of the Dioceses of El Camino Real, Northern California, and San Diego. We provide innovative lay and diaconal formation based in the curriculum of the Iona Collaborative at the Seminary of the Southwest. Most of the coursework occurs online.

The West Coast Collaborative currently offers two educational tracks— formation for Vocational Deacons, and formation for Lay Preachers. Over time, we will continue to expand program offerings in support of lay and ordained ministries.

We are currently accepting applications for a course opening Spring 2024 (?) to prepare individuals to apply for a Lay Preaching license. We are forming cohorts of students in Spanish and English and seeking adult learners of all ages and educational backgrounds who are actively involved in ministry in their congregations and demonstrate gifts in lay leadership. Participants must be members of a congregation within one of our three partner dioceses.

We are currently building a website with complete details on program offerings, application process, and student profiles. To learn more about the West Coast Collaborative, please contact the dean for your diocese:

Diocese of El Camino Real:

The Rev. Katherine B. Doar | katherine@realepiscopal.org

Diocese of Northern California:  

The Rev. Sr. Kathy Lawler, OEF | sfmdean@norcalepiscopal.org

Diocese of San Diego:
The Rev. Susan J. Latimer |  DeanSfM@edsd.org