Ordination Mass
Ordination Mass is the Eucharistic celebration in which a bishop confers the sacrament of Holy Orders upon deacons, priests, or bishops.[1][2]
Ordination within Mass
The ordination of a bishop, priest, or deacon is celebrated within Mass. The sacrament is conferred by the bishop's imposition of hands and the consecratory prayer proper to the order being received. All bishops present join in laying hands upon a bishop-elect; priests present join the bishop in laying hands upon candidates for the presbyterate; for a deacon, the ordaining bishop alone imposes hands.
The ordination rite follows the proclamation of the Gospel and includes the calling and presentation of the candidates, election by the bishop, homily, promises, litany of supplication, laying on of hands, and prayer of ordination. Explanatory rites then manifest the ministry conferred, such as vesting, anointing, or the handing over of the Book of the Gospels or the bread and wine for sacrifice.
Eucharist and ordained ministry
The newly ordained exercise their ministry immediately in the celebration. New priests concelebrate the Eucharist with the bishop; new deacons assist at the altar and may prepare the gifts and distribute Communion according to the rite. Episcopal ordination most fully manifests the communion of the college of bishops around the Eucharist.
The proper Ritual Mass is normally used, but the calendar's highest-ranking celebrations govern the Mass texts as the liturgical books direct. Ordination is never a private commissioning by a community: a validly ordained bishop is the minister of the sacrament, and canonical suitability and authorization are also required for a lawful ordination.[3]
References
- Back to citation Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Orders — Doctrine of the three degrees, sacramental sign, effects, and minister.
- Back to citation Code of Canon Law: Holy Orders — Canons 1008–1054 on ordination and its celebration.
- Back to citation General Instruction of the Roman Missal, chapter VIII — Norms governing Ritual Masses.