WHAT ARE THE MAIN RITES OF THE ORDINATION OF A DEACON TO A PRIEST IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?

 What are the main rites of the Ordination of a Deacon to a Priest in the Catholic Church? 



The ordination of a deacon to a priest in the Catholic Church involves several important rites. The following are the main rites typically observed in the ordination ceremony:


1. Entrance and Presentation: The candidate enters the church and is presented to the bishop or his representative by the deacon or another suitable person.


2. Election: The bishop inquires about the suitability of the candidate and receives the testimony of those responsible for his formation and preparation.


3. Homily: The bishop delivers a homily, reflecting on the responsibilities and duties of the priesthood and exhorting the candidates to fulfill their vocations faithfully.


4. Examination: The candidate is called forward and questioned by the bishop concerning his resolve to undertake the responsibilities of the priesthood, his willingness to preach, and his commitment to the Church's teachings.


5. Promise of the Elect: The candidate publicly declares his intention to assume the office of the priesthood and promises obedience to the bishop and his successors.


6. Laying on of Hands: The bishop, accompanied by the other priests, lays his hands on the head of each candidate, invoking the Holy Spirit for the outpouring of God's grace and the gifts necessary for the priesthood.


7. Prayer of Ordination: The bishop offers a prayer of ordination, invoking the Holy Spirit to sanctify the candidates and consecrate them as priests.


8. Anointing with Sacred Chrism: The bishop anoints the palms of the newly ordained priests' hands with sacred chrism, symbolising the consecration and empowerment for the priestly ministry.


9. Handing Over of the Bread and Wine: The bishop hands the newly ordained priests the paten with bread and the chalice with wine. This signifies their role in the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice.


10. Sign of Peace: The bishop gives a fraternal sign of peace to the newly ordained priests, followed by the concelebrating priests.


11. Vesting: The newly ordained priests are vested with the stole and chasuble, which are the liturgical garments worn during the celebration of Mass.


12. Anointing of Hands: The bishop anoints the hands of the new priests with chrism, further emphasising their consecration for the offering of the Eucharist and the forgiveness of sins in the sacrament of Reconciliation.


13. Presentation of the Gifts: The newly ordained priests present the gifts of bread and wine to the bishop, symbolising their participation in the priestly ministry and their commitment to offer themselves in union with Christ.


14. Fraternal Kiss: The bishop and concelebrating priests exchange a fraternal kiss with the newly ordained priests, signifying their acceptance into the presbyterate (the community of priests).


15. Conclusion of the Rite: The bishop offers a final blessing, and the newly ordained priests participate in the celebration of the Eucharist by concelebrating with the bishop and other priests.


It's important to note that specific variations may exist in different dioceses or regions, but these rites generally outline the ordination of a deacon to the priesthood in the Catholic Church.


© Rev. Fr. Oselumhense Anetor, 2023

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