RITE OF ORDINATION OF A DEACON Introductory Rites and Liturgy of the Word
When everything is ready, the procession moves through the church/chapel to the altar in the usual way (this while the song VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS is sung acapela until the processional cross arrives at the main altar). The one to be ordained precedes the deacon who carries the Book of Gospels, which is to be used during the mass and the Ordination. They are followed by other deacons, if present, by the concelebrating priests, and, finally, by the Bishop and, slightly behind him, the two deacons who assist him. When they come to the altar they make the required reverence and each one goes to the assigned place. Meanwhile, the entrance song: PURIHIN ANG PANGINOON/ GIVE PRAISE TO THE LORD OF ALL EARTH is sung as soon as the processional cross reaches the main altar) The introductory rites and the Liturgy of the Word up to and including the Gospel reading continue in the usual way. After the Gospel reading, the deacon reverently places the book of Gospels back on the Altar, where it remains until it is presented to the newly ordained deacon.
Ordination
The ordination of the deacon then begins. The Bishop, if necessary, goes to the seat prepared for the Ordination, and the presentation of the candidate takes place. ELECTION OF THE CANDIDATE
The candidate is called by a deacon: Let N. who is to be o rdained a deacon come forward. Deacon: Present. The candidate goes to the Bishop, to whom he makes a sign of r everence. When the candidate is in his place before the Bishop, the priest designated by the Bishop says: Most Reverend Father, holy Mother Church asks you to ordain this man, our brother, to the office of deacon.
The Bishop asks: Do you know him to be worthy? He answers: After inquiry among the Christian people and upon the recommendation of those concerned with his formation, I testify that he has been found worthy.
Bishop: Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose this man, our brother, for the Order of the diaconate.
All present say: Thanks be to God. HOMILY
Then the Bishop, while all are seated, gives the homily. Taking his theme from the biblical readings just proclaimed in the Liturgy of the Wor d, he addresses the people and the elect on the office of deacon.
PROMISE OF THE ELECT
After the homily, the elect alone arises and stand before the Bishop, who questions him in t hese words:
Dear son, before you enter the Order of the diaconate, you must declare before the people your intention to undertake this office. Do you resolve to be consecrated for the Church’s ministry by the laying on of my hands and the gifts of the Holy Spirit? The elect answers: I do.
Bishop: Do you resolve to discharge the office of deacon with humble charity in order to assist the priestly Order and to benefit the Christian people? Elect: I do.
Bishop: Do you resolve to hold fast to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience, as the Apostle urges, and to proclaim this faith in word and deed according to the Gospel and the Church’s tradition? Elect: I do
COMMITMENT TO CELIBACY
The following question is asked even if the elect is a professed religious.
Bishop: Do you resolve to keep for ever this commitment to remain celibate as a sign of your dedication to Christ the Lord for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, in the service of God and man?
Unmarried elect: I do. The candidate manifest in some external way his resolve to assume the obligation of celibacy. Do you resolve to maintain and deepen the spirit of prayer that is proper to your way of life and, in keeping with this spirit and what is required of you, to celebrate faithfully the Liturgy of the Hours with and for the People of God and indeed for the whole world? Elect: I do.
Bishop: Do you resolve to conform your way of life always to the example of Christ, of whose Body and Blood you are a minister at the altar? Elect: I do, with the help of God.
PROMISE OF OBEDIENCE
Then the elect goes to the Bishop and, kneeling before him, places his joined hands between those of the Bishop.
Do you promise to respect and obedience to the diocesan Bishop and to your legitimate superior? Elect
I do. The Bishop always concludes: May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.
LITANY OF SUPLICATION
Then all stand. After putting aside the miter, the Bishop stands, faces the people, and, with hands joined, says the invitatory:
Bishop: Dearly beloved, let us pray that God the all-powerful Father Will mercifully pour out the grace o f his blessing on this, his servant, whom in his kindness he raises to
the sacred Order of the diaconate. The elect prostrates himself and the litany is sung (LITANY OF THE SAINTS by BECKER); all respond. On Sundays and during the season of Easter, all in the assembly remain standing. (Note to the cantor: Instead of the reference to “those Baptized” instead refer “to ordained/chosen” in its place since the ceremony is an ordination and not baptism as in the Easter vigil) After the singing of the litany, the Bishop standing, with hands outstretched, sings or says:
Bishop: Lord God, Mercifully hear our prayers And prosper by your gracious assistance What we are now to perform by virtue of our office. Sanctify by your blessing this man we present, For in our judgment we believe him worthy To exercise sacred ministries. Through Christ our Lord. All answer: Amen.
LAYING ON OF HANDS
The elect rises. He goes to the Bishop, who stands at his chair wearing the miter, and kneels before him. The Bishop lays his hands upon the head of the elect, without saying anything.
PRAYER FOR ORDINATION
With the elect before him, the Bishop puts aside the miter, and, with hands outstretched, he sings or says the Prayer of Ordination: Draw near, we pray, almighty God, Giver of every grace, Who apportioned every order and assign every office, You who remain unchanged but make all things new; Who, in your eternal providence, order all creation And make due provision for every age Through him who is your word, your power, and wisdom, Jesus Christ, your Son, Our Lord. For the up-building of the new temple, You grant that the Church, his body, Should grow and spread forth Adorned with manifold heavenly graces,
Joined together in the distinction amongst its members And fastened in unity by the wondrous Bond of the Holy Spirit; And you establish three ranks of ministers In sacred offices to serve your name, As one you chose the sons of Levi To minister in the former tabernacle. Thus in the first days of your Church, Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Your Son’s Apostles appointed seven men of good re pute To assist them in their daily ministry, That they might devote themselves more fully To prayer and preaching of the word. By prayer and the laying on of hands They entrusted to these chosen men The ministry of serving at table. We beseech you, Lord: Look with favor on this servant of yours Who will minister at your holy altar And whom we now humbly dedicate to t he office of deacon. Lord, we beseech you: Send forth upon him the Holy Spirit, That he may be strengthened By the gift of your sevenfold grace To carry out faithfully the work of t he ministry. May every Gospel virtue abound in him: Unfeigned love, Concern for the sick and poor, Unassuming authority, The purity of innocence And the observance of spiritual discipline. May your commandments shine forth in his conduct, So that by the example of his way of life He may attract the imitation of your holy people. May he remain strong and steadfast in Christ, Offering the witness of a clear conscience. By imitating on earth Your Son, who came not to be served but to serve, May he be found worthy to reign in heaven with him, Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. God for ever and ever. All answer:
Amen.
INVESTITURE WITH STOLE AND DALMATIC
After the prayer of Ordination, all sit. The Bishop puts on the miter and the newly ordained stand. One of the assisting deacons or another minister put’s a deacon’s stole and t hen a dalmatic on him. (Meanwhile, the first stanza with chorus maybe song: Do not let your hearts be troubled while vesting then fade while book of Gospels is handed on)
HANDING ON OF THE BOOK OF GOSPELS
Vested as a deacon, the newly Ordained goes to the Bishop and kneels before him. He places the Book of Gospels in the hands of the newly Ordained deacon and says: Receive the Gospel of Christ, Whose herald you have become, And see that you believe what you read, Teach what you believe, And practice what you teach. Lastly, the Bishop gives the newly or dained the fraternal kiss, saying: Peace be with you The newly Ordained responds: And with your spirit.
All the deacons present, or at least some of them, give the fraternal kiss to the newly ordained. Meanwhile, the rest of the song (I am ever with you) may be sung ending with the chorus. The Mass continues in the usual manner. The profession of Faith is said when called for by the rubrics. (Prayers of the Faithful is omitted).
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
In the Eucharistic Prayer mention is made of the newly ordained deacon according to the following formulas.
b. In the Eucharistic Prayer II, at the prescribed place, the following is inserted: Remember, Lord, your Chruch Spread throughout the world: And perfect in love Together with our Pope, N., and o ur Bishop N. Remember also this, your servant, Whom you have willed today To provide as a minister of the Church And all the clergy.
The parents and relatives of the newly Ordained may rece ive Communion under both kinds. The newly Ordained deacon assist the Bishop in giving Communion to t he faithful, especially as a minister of the chalice. A Liturgical song of thanksgiving may be sung after the completion of the distribution of the Communion. The prayer after communion follows the song. CONCLUDING RITES
The following blessings may be used in place of the usual blessing. A deacon may say the following invitation: Bow your heads for the blessing.
Then the Bishop, with hands extended over the newly Ordained and the people, gives the blessing:
May God who has called you to the service of men in his Church Fill you with zealous care for all people, Especially the poor and the suffering. All answer: Amen. Bishop: May God who has charged you to preach the Gospel of Christ Help you to live by his word And thus to bear him sincere and fe rvent witness.
All answer: Amen
Bishop: May God who appointed you a steward of his mysteries Make you an imitator of his Son, Jesus Christ,
And a minister of unity anti peace in the world. All answer: Amen
Bishop: And May almighty God bless all of you gathered here + the Father + and the Son + and the Holy Spirit. All answer: Amen.
After the blessing and the following the dismissal of the people by a deacon, then a picture taking may take place while song is played: Tell the World of His Love (By Trina Belamide, World Youth Day 95 Theme Song)
