Rachel Evans
Ordination is a sacramental ceremony in the Catholic Church in which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop, and is enabled to minister in the name of Christ and the Church. The ceremony is rich in meaning and history, with various rituals such as prostration, the laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, and the sign of peace. The length of a Catholic ordination ceremony varies, but one source estimates that it takes around two hours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ordination | A sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop and is enabled to minister in Christ's name and that of the Church |
| Number of ordinations | Three in the Sacrament of Holy Orders: diaconate, priesthood, and episcopal |
| Who can ordain a priest | Only a bishop |
| Rite of Ordination | Concludes with the Sign of Peace |
| Ordination Mass | Includes Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, and the Proclamation of the Gospel, followed by the Rite of Election |
| Duration | Around two hours |
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What You'll Learn
Ordination ceremony rituals
Ordination is the sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop, and is enabled to minister in Christ's name and that of the Church. The ordination ceremony includes various rituals, rich in meaning and history.
The ordination ceremony begins with the calling and presentation of the candidate. The candidate is called forward and presented to the bishop, to whom he responds, "Present". The bishop then asks those responsible for the formation of the candidate if they approve of the ordination, and the candidate is then elected for ordination with the people's consent. The congregation typically responds with applause.
The bishop then delivers a homily and instructs the candidate and all assembled about the duties and responsibilities to be assumed by the candidate upon ordination. The candidate then confirms his intent to be a priest and to fulfil the duties of his priesthood. The candidate is then examined by the bishop, who inquires directly into his willingness to be ordained a priest. The candidate steps forward to promise obedience to the bishop and his successors.
The ordination then begins with the laying on of hands, in which the bishop silently lays his hands on the head of the kneeling candidate. This gesture was handed down from the time of the apostles and signifies the conferral of the Holy Spirit. The bishop then recites the prayer of consecration, completing the action of ordination. As the prayer concludes, the assembly responds, "Amen".
The newly ordained priest then removes his deacon's stole, and a chosen cleric vests him with a chasuble and the stole of a priest. The bishop then anoints the priest's hands with sacred chrism. The ordination concludes with the sign of peace, and the new priest is welcomed into the Order of Priests.
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The role of the bishop
The bishop delivers a homily, which includes instruction to the ordinand about what the Church expects of him in accepting the call to the priesthood. The bishop inquires directly into the candidate's willingness to be ordained a priest. The bishop calls the congregation to prayer, asking all the saints to intercede on the candidate's behalf as they approach the sacrament of Holy Orders. The bishop concludes the Litany with a prayer.
The ordinand goes before the bishop, who prays in silence as he places his hands on the candidate's head. This is the ancient symbol of the laying on of hands, which is the essential rite of the sacrament. The bishop exhorts the new priest to live the mystery of the Eucharist in his own life, giving his life as Jesus did for the eternal life of the faithful. The bishop welcomes the new priest into the Order of Priests and celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist, with the newly ordained taking a prominent role in his first celebration of the Eucharist as a priest.
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The role of the ordinand
During the Presentation of the Candidate, the Bishop inquires whether the ordinand has received the necessary training and is worthy and competent to become a priest. The Bishop then elects the individual to be ordained, and the people respond with applause. The Bishop's election of the Candidate is an affirmation of the action of the Holy Spirit in the life of the ordinand.
The Bishop proceeds with a homily, which includes instruction for the ordinand on the expectations of the Church. For the first time in the Rite, the ordinand will speak for himself, expressing his willingness to be ordained a priest. The ordinand will prostrate himself, symbolizing his submission to the will of God and the handing over of his life to God.
The actual rite of ordination includes the ancient symbol of the Laying on of Hands, where the Bishop places his hands on the head of the ordinand in silence, praying for the Holy Spirit to make the ordinand a worker in the service of God. The ordinand will then be welcomed into the Order of Priests by the Bishop and his brother priests.
The ordinand's role in the ordination ceremony is a solemn and profound experience, marking the beginning of his service to God and the Church as a priest.
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The role of the congregation
Attendance and Support
The presence of lay Catholics during the ordination ceremony holds great importance. Their attendance signifies the congregation's support for the ordinand, offering encouragement as the individual embarks on a life of service to God and the community. This support can be a powerful motivator for the ordinand, reminding them of the impact they can have on the lives of those they serve.
Prayer and Intercession
The congregation actively participates in the ceremony through prayer and intercession. Before the ordination, the Bishop calls the congregation to pray for the candidate. This Litany of the Saints is a powerful moment where the assembly kneels, and the ordinand prostrates themselves, symbolizing their submission to God's will. The congregation's prayers are believed to invoke the saints' intercession on the candidate's behalf as they approach the sacrament of Holy Orders.
Affirmation and Witnessing
During the Presentation of the Candidate, the Bishop inquires about the candidate's worthiness and competency to become a priest. The congregation then affirms the Bishop's election of the candidate by applause, indicating their agreement and support. This affirmation is not just a formality but a recognition of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of the ordinand. The congregation also witnesses the various rituals of the ordination, such as the laying on of hands, anointing of hands, and the giving of the chalice and paten, all rich in symbolic meaning.
Celebration and Blessings
The ordination ceremony is a time of great joy and celebration for the newly ordained, their families, and friends, and the congregation. The Rite of Ordination concludes with the Sign of Peace, marking the new priest's welcome into the Order of Priests. The congregation shares in this joy and receives blessings from the newly ordained priest at the end of the Mass.
Photography and Dignity of the Ceremony
While the Archdiocese permits non-flash photography during the ceremony, visitors are instructed to maintain the dignity of the occasion. They are advised not to leave their pews to take photographs, as this can be disruptive and take away from the solemnity of the event. Instead, a professional photographer is assigned to capture official photographs, ensuring the ceremony proceeds smoothly while allowing for the preservation of memories.
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The ceremony's conclusion
The conclusion of a Catholic ordination ceremony marks the culmination of a sacred and joyous occasion, celebrating the transition of individuals into the priesthood or diaconate. While the ceremony's duration can vary, the closing segment plays a vital role in bringing the ritual to a meaningful and graceful end. Here's an overview of what typically transpires during the ceremony's conclusion:
As the ordination ceremony nears its end, the atmosphere is filled with a sense of solemnity and anticipation. The ordaining bishop, having conferred the sacred orders, now imparts his final blessings upon the newly ordained. This blessing is a powerful moment, signifying the Church's recognition and endorsement of the candidates' new roles as priests or deacons. The bishop may invoke God's grace, wisdom, and strength upon them, praying that they may faithfully fulfill their vocational calling.
Following the blessing, those in attendance are often invited to join in a litany of thanksgiving and supplication. This litany is a collaborative prayer, uniting the voices of the congregation in gratitude for the gift of ordination and in petition for God's continued guidance and protection over the newly ordained. It serves as a reminder that the entire faith community plays a part in supporting and uplifting those who have answered the call to serve.
The ceremony then draws to a close with a final hymn, carefully selected to reflect the theme of the ordination. This hymn is often a joyous and uplifting choice, celebrating the new ministers' dedication and the gift of their service to the Church. The congregation joins in song, their voices filling the sacred space with praise and celebration. It is a powerful moment of unity and a fitting conclusion to the ritual.
After the hymn, the bishop, along with the newly ordained, processes out of the sanctuary. This recessional marks the official end of the ordination ceremony. The procession is typically accompanied by music, often a triumphant instrumental piece, signaling the successful completion of the sacred rite. As the bishop and the new priests or deacons exit, they are greeted with applause and cheers from the congregation, reflecting the community's joy and enthusiasm for the occasion.
In some cases, the ceremony may include a simple reception or gathering immediately following the liturgical rites. This provides an opportunity for the congregation to offer personal congratulations and well-wishes to the newly ordained. It is a time for celebration and fellowship, allowing the community to come together and rejoice in the growth and future ministry of their brothers in Christ.
The conclusion of a Catholic ordination ceremony is a carefully orchestrated and meaningful segment. It brings together elements of blessing, prayer, music, and community involvement to mark the successful transition of individuals into their new ministerial roles. While the specific details may vary, the overarching purpose remains the same: to send forth the newly ordained with the grace and blessings of the Church, ready to embark on their sacred vocation of service and leadership.
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Frequently asked questions
The ceremony typically lasts around two hours.
Ordination is a sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop, enabling him to minister in the name of Christ and the Church.
Only a bishop can ordain a priest as he shares in the ministry of Jesus, which was passed down through the apostles.
There are three ordinations in the Sacrament of Holy Orders: diaconate, priesthood, and episcopal.
The ceremony includes various rituals such as prostration, the laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, and the sign of peace. The ordinand will also receive stoles and chasubles, symbolising their authority and responsibility to serve.
