Category Archives: Ordination Rites

Before we get to the cake and punch reception, there is still the Eucharist to be celebrated, plus the concluding rites. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST 36. The rite for the can celebration of Mass is followed with this change: 37. … Continue reading →

The gospel book is taken away from above the new bishop’s head, then it is handed to him after anointing. 27. After the prayer of consecration, the deacons remove the Book of the Gospels which they have been holding above the … Continue reading →

We’ll devote this whole post to the consecration prayer. Remember when we last left the bishop-elect, the Book of the Gospels was on his head, handled by two deacons. The prayer commences with an allusion to Saint Paul’s greeting in … Continue reading →

Two important rituals precede the consecration prayer. After an invitation to pray, the bishop-elect lies prostrate during the litany of saints. We’ve spoken of the inclusion of appropriate saints for deacons, and I think we’ve touched on it for priests. … Continue reading →

Let’s look carefully and the questions used to “examine” the bishop-elect, noting this is where we have first mention of the “successor of the apostle Peter”: EXAMINATION OF THE CANDIDATE 19. The bishop-elect then rises and stands in front of … Continue reading →

The homily will give us many insights as to the Church’s notion of episcopal ministry. Notice how many times the pope is mentioned in comparison to the college of bishops and other theological realities. 18. Then the principal consecrator, while … Continue reading →

After the gospel, as in the other ordination rites, the candidate is presented before the homily: 16. One of the priests addresses the principal consecrator: Most Reverend Father, the church of N. asks you to ordain this priest, N., for … Continue reading →

Two sections on the liturgy of the word, where we read there are readings from the Mass of the day or from the special Mass for ordaining a bishop: 11. The liturgy of the word takes place according to the … Continue reading →

Let’s finish up the introduction section to the rites for ordaining a bishop. First the vesting directions for the clergy: 6. The principal consecrator and the concelebrating bishops and priests wear the vestments required for Mass. The bishop-elect wears all … Continue reading →

Recapping our examination of the Catholic ordination rites thus far, chapter I covered the admission to candidacy of deacons and priests. Chapter II diaconate ordination and III the ordination of a priest. We’ll skip chapter IV, which combines the ordination … Continue reading →

Wrapping up the ordination Mass, we find gifts prepared, then a sign of peace: PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS 26. The deacon assists the bishop in receiving the gifts of the people and he prepares the bread on the paten and … Continue reading →

Let’s continue the ordination Mass for a priest, okay? Some important rituals await. First up, the investiture with stole and then the chasuble: 23. After the prayer of consecration, the bishop, wearing his miter, sits, and the newly ordained stands. … Continue reading →

Ah! We get to the prayer of consecration. First the rubrics: 22. The candidate kneels before the bishop. With his hands extended over the candidate, the bishop sings the prayer of consecration or says it aloud: Come to our help, … Continue reading →

The next five sections of the rite get us up to the consecration prayer. After the promise of respect and obedience, let’s see what happens with the about-to-be-ordained priest: INVITATION TO PRAYER 17. Then all stand, and the bishop, without … Continue reading →

As with the deacon, there is a ritual examination of the candidate by the bishop. One presumes the actual examination prior is conducted along these lines: EXAMINATION OF THE CANDIDATE 15. The candidate then stands before the bishop, who questions … Continue reading →