Ethan Walker
Ordination is a solemn ceremony in the Catholic Church, during which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop. The ceremony is estimated to last around two hours. The Rite of Ordination always takes place within the Rite of the Mass, and involves various rituals, including the Presentation of the Candidate, the Litany of Supplication, and the laying on of hands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration | Around two hours |
| Who can become a deacon, priest, or bishop? | Only men can become deacons, priests, or bishops. |
| Priestly formation | A man has to engage in a challenging program of priestly formation that lasts from five to 13 years, depending upon his background and the seminary he attends. |
| Priestly formation | In addition to the academic coursework, seminarians participate in a full schedule of spiritual activities like daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours (morning prayer and evening prayer), and spiritual direction and retreats. |
| Ordination | The Rite of Ordination is a solemn ceremony in the Catholic Church. |
| Photography | It is advised that no one leaves the pews to take photographs. |
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What You'll Learn
Ordination Mass rituals
The Ordination Mass is a solemn ceremony in the Catholic Church. It is a sacred ritual, rich in meaning and history, that marks the transition of a deacon to a priest. The duration of the ceremony is estimated to be around two hours.
The Mass is comprised of various rituals and rites, each with its own significance. Here is an overview of some of the key rituals and their meanings:
Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, and Proclamation of the Gospel
The Ordination Mass commences with the standard Introductory Rites, which are followed by the Liturgy of the Word. This sets the tone for the ceremony and prepares those in attendance for the sacred proceedings. The Liturgy of the Word involves the proclamation of the Gospel, where the deacon carries the Evangelion (Gospel book) and places it on the altar.
Rite of Election
During this rite, the men to be ordained are presented to the Cardinal. Their names are called out, and a priest asks the Cardinal to ordain them. The Cardinal then assesses their worthiness and reflects on their future roles as priests.
Laying on of Hands and Prayer of Ordination
The Laying on of Hands is a pivotal moment in the ceremony. The bishop anoints the hands of the ordinands while invoking the Holy Spirit. This ritual symbolises the passing on of the sacred character and sets the ordinands apart for their designated ministry. The Prayer of Ordination, or the long consecratory prayer, accompanies this ritual, beseeching the Holy Spirit to sanctify the ordinands and integrate them into the order of the presbyterate.
Vestment Presentation
As part of the ordination, the newly ordained priests receive the vestments of their office. This ritual symbolises their new spiritual identity and role within the Church.
Eucharistic Rituals
The Eucharist holds a central place in the priesthood, and various rituals during the Ordination Mass emphasise its importance. The ordinands receive the chalice and paten, signifying their role in celebrating the Eucharist. Special prayers and texts from the "Ritual Masses" section of the Roman Missal are incorporated, underscoring the sacredness of the occasion.
These rituals, along with other elements of the Mass, such as the Gloria in Excelsis (on solemn occasions), Scripture readings, and responsorial psalms, collectively contribute to the solemnity and spiritual depth of the Ordination Mass.
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The Rite of Ordination
The candidate then prostrates himself while the assembly prays. This gesture of prostration symbolises submission to the will of God. The bishop ends the litany with a prayer, followed by the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Consecration. The ordinand kneels before the bishop, who places his hands on the candidate's head and calls upon the Holy Spirit. The ordaining bishop and the other priests invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon the one to be ordained, bestowing upon him a sacred character. The bishop anoints the hands of the ordinand, saying:
> The Father anointed our Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. May Jesus preserve you to sanctify the Christian people and to offer sacrifice to God.
> Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate; model your life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist is then celebrated by the bishop, with the newly ordained taking a prominent role in his first celebration of the Eucharist as a priest.
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Priestly formation
If a candidate does not have a college degree, they must complete four years of College Seminary, encompassing the Propaedeutic and Discipleship stages, followed by four years of Major Seminary, which includes the Configuration Stage and leads to the Vocational Synthesis Stage. This path takes a total of eight years.
For those with a college degree, the formation process begins with the Propaedeutic year, followed by the other stages, for a total of seven to eight years. Taking a spiritual or pastoral year can extend this timeline but enriches the candidate's formation.
During priestly formation, seminarians address four types of formation: human, spiritual, academic (intellectual), and pastoral. Human formation lays the foundation for the other dimensions, fostering human growth and development through community living, workshops, and other programs. Spiritual formation includes daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours (morning and evening prayer), and spiritual direction and retreats. Academic formation involves coursework such as the study of philosophy and theology. Pastoral formation teaches seminarians how to express the other three dimensions in pastoral charity, preparing them for future pastoral ministry in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, parishes, and religious education programs.
The ultimate goal of priestly formation is to form missionary disciples ready for consecration as shepherds of God's people, sharing in the authority of Christ and fulfilling the Church's mission of evangelizing humanity.
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Laying on of Hands
A Catholic ordination ceremony typically lasts around two hours. The ceremony involves several rituals, one of which is the Laying on of Hands.
The Laying on of Hands
The Laying on of Hands is a significant ritual within the Catholic ordination ceremony. It is considered the essential rite of the sacrament, during which the actual ordination takes place. This ritual is deeply rooted in the Scriptures and is referenced in 1 Timothy 4:14.
During the Laying on of Hands, the ordinand kneels before the bishop, who silently prays, invoking the Holy Spirit to come down upon the candidate. The bishop places his hands on the head of the ordinand, symbolically bestowing upon him the gift of the Holy Spirit and setting him apart for his sacred ministry. This act signifies the candidate's submission to God's will and marks the beginning of his service as a priest.
Following the bishop, the priests present also impose their hands upon the candidate, reinforcing the invocation of the Holy Spirit and welcoming him into the brotherhood of the priesthood. This ritual is a powerful demonstration of the Catholic Church's belief in the power of apostolic succession, where the grace and authority of the apostles are passed down through the laying on of hands.
The Laying on of Hands is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a sacred moment that transforms the candidate. Through this ritual, the Church recognizes the ordinand's dedication and readiness to undertake the responsibilities and duties of the priesthood, preaching the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and guiding the Catholic community.
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The Ordination ceremony
The Rite of Ordination always takes place within the Rite of the Mass. The Mass begins with the Entrance Procession, where the candidate for the priesthood walks in procession with the deacons, at the end of the line. The Rite of Ordination begins immediately following the Gospel. The director of seminarian formation calls the candidate forward by name. The candidate is called from the midst of the people, reflecting the belief that those who are called to ministry answer the call from the Lord and are called from within the Catholic community. The candidate sits with their family until they are called forward for ordination.
The Rite of Ordination continues with the Presentation of the Candidate. The bishop inquires about the candidate's spiritual and academic formation, asking if they have taken all the necessary steps and been found worthy and competent to fulfil the Office of the Priesthood. The bishop then proceeds with a homily, reflecting on the Scriptures of the day and instructing the candidate on what the Church expects of them in their new role as a priest.
The essential rite of the sacrament—when the ordination takes place—is the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Consecration. The ordinand kneels before the bishop, who places their hands on the candidate's head and calls upon the Holy Spirit. The ordaining bishop and other priests invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon the one being ordained, setting them apart for their designated ministry. The bishop anoints the hands of the ordinand and recites a prayer: "The Father anointed our Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. May Jesus preserve you to sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God."
The bishop then hands the ordinand a chalice and paten, which symbolises the importance of celebrating the Eucharist in the life of a priest. The bishop says: "Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate; model your life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross." The Rite of Ordination concludes with the Sign of Peace, and the new priest is welcomed into the Order of the Priesthood.
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Frequently asked questions
A Catholic ordination usually lasts around two hours.
The ordination ceremony involves the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Ordination. The candidate is called forward from sitting with his family, and the bishop inquires about his readiness for the role. The Rite of Ordination begins after the Gospel, and the candidate is presented to the cardinal. The candidate professes their desire to undertake the vocation of priesthood, and the cardinal places his hands around the candidate's clasped hands. The cardinal and other priests then invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon the candidate.
A man has to engage in a challenging program of priestly formation that lasts from five to 13 years, depending on his background and the seminary he attends. There are three levels of seminary: high school, college/pre-theology, and theology. In addition to academic coursework, seminarians participate in a full schedule of spiritual activities like daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, and spiritual direction and retreats. Diocesan priests make promises of celibacy and obedience during the ordination ceremony.
