Category Archives: Ordination Rites

Readings for the Conferral of Holy Orders I: Old Testament

We’ve never studied the Ordination Lectionary on this site. I presume seminarians have a big say in planning this liturgy. I’m not sure it merits an in-depth look here; my purpose was to assist readers–mostly lay people, not so many … Continue reading

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Bishop 36-39

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Bishop 27-35

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Bishop 26

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Bishop 20-25

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Bishop 19

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Bishop 18

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Bishop 16-17

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Bishop 11-15

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Bishop 6-10

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Bishop 1-5

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Priest 26-29

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Priest 23-25

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Priest 22

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

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Ordination Rites: Ordination of a Priest 17-21

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

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