THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS
ORDINATION is the sacrament through which men are ordained as priests or deacons. Through the sacrament of holy orders, or ordination, a man vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. He promises to do this by proclaiming the Gospel and by providing to Catholics other means to achieve holiness. In order to be ordained a priest, a man must be first ordained a deacon. Ordination is a sacrament carried out by a bishop, who must lay his hands on the candidate. Taking holy orders is a commitment for life both to God and to the Catholic Church, as the man is given certain powers, including passing on God’s forgiveness of sins.
Ordination takes place within a Mass and is presided over by a bishop who ordains. The Word of God is proclaimed. After this the candidate for ordination is formerly presented to the bishop, usually by a member of staff from the seminary responsible for his formation, then a homily follows. During the right of ordination we invoke the prayers of the saints and then the bishop lays hands silently over the candidate, other priests present do this too, after which the bishop prays over the man. When this prayer has been said, the man is a priest. He is then vested in a stole and chasuble sometimes by family or friends, his hands are then anointed with chrism and he is handed the chalice and patten as signs of his ministry at the altar. After this he is embraced in the kiss of peace by the bishop and then all priests present as a sign of brotherhood. The new priest then joins his brothers in the priesthood for the rest of the Mass. Vocations in the Parish of St Mary and St Paul’s. All are encouraged to discern their call to active ministry or religious life. Those who feel called or are interested please contact the parish priest or the Diocesan Vocations Director who will accompany you in your discernment.
