The Rite of Ordination into the PriestHood
Ordination to the priesthood takes place within a Catholic Mass. The rite, has a number of distinct parts. It is a time of great joy and celebration on the part of the newly ordained priest, his family and friends, and all of those who have supported and encouraged him along the journey of his vocation.
3. Presentation and Inquiry:
The Bishop ensures that candidates have received the necessary training and are worthy for ordination. This is certified by a religious superior and acknowledges they are approved for the sacrament of Holy Orders
4. Acceptance:
Bishop Fisher: "We rely on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, and we choose these men, our brothers, for priesthood in the presbyterial order."
The people respond "Thanks be to God."
The Bishop ensures that candidates have received the necessary training and are worthy for ordination. This is certified by a religious superior and acknowledges they are approved for the sacrament of Holy Orders
4. Acceptance:
Bishop Fisher: "We rely on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, and we choose these men, our brothers, for priesthood in the presbyterial order."
The people respond "Thanks be to God."
5.Examination of the Candidate:
Each candidate approaches the Bishop who asks him if he is willing to serve Christ and his Church as a faithful priest. 6. Promises of Obedience: Hand in hand with the Bishop Fisher OP, Deacon Watkins then promises obedience to the authority of the Church and to his own religious superiors. |
7. Chanting of the Litany:
During the singing of the Litany of the Saints, candidates prostrate themselves before the Altar. The prayers of the Litany invoke God's saving mercy and the intercession of all the saints to send down the Holy Spirit upon the soon to be priests. All present kneel before the Altar including the Bishop. |
8. Laying of the Hands:
This is when the Bishop ordains the candidate by laying his hands on the top of his head to invoke the Holy Spirit in the new priest. 9. Priesthood of Christ: Other priest present will be invited to then Lay their hands on the newly ordained priest. This signifies that they all participate and belong in one priesthood with Jesus Christ. |
11, Anointing of the Hands:The Bishop Fisher then anoints the palms of the new priest with the oil of chrism.
Bishop Fisher: "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." The oil is then wiped off with a linen cloth. |
12. Presentation of the Gifts: The gifts of Bread and Wine are brought to the Altar for the celebration of the Eucharist. The new priest receives the Paten (holds the body) and Chalice (holds the wine) from the Ordaining Bishop. As the priest receives the gifts, the Bishop says: "Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to Him. Know whay you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate: model your life on the mystery of the Lord's cross." |
15. End of Mass Procession and Reception:
Once Mass has concluded Father Watkins gives their first blessing over everyone present and sends them forth to be messengers of the Good News. A reception is held in the honour of the new priest to celebrate over food and drink with all present.
Once Mass has concluded Father Watkins gives their first blessing over everyone present and sends them forth to be messengers of the Good News. A reception is held in the honour of the new priest to celebrate over food and drink with all present.
Photography by: Alphonsus Fok and Grace Lu.
Images used with permission from Father John Watkins. Order of the Mass- Booklet produced by St Patricks Cathedral, Parramatta. |