Ordination of a Priest – The Examination part 1

Bishop Eric Menees Friends,  We continue with our examination of the Ordination of a Priest and move on to the Examination. In this section of the ordination, the Ordinand is publicly examined by the bishop and before the congregation  The examination can be divided into three categories- The Call from God, Scripture & Doctrine and Manner of Life. We’ll be going over these sections together over the next few weeks.  Following the Exhortation, the priest stands alone before the bishop & congregation dressed in his alb alone and ready to be examined. The bishop begins by setting the scene, the church should know of the uprightness of the man about to be ordained.  The first question speaks to the calling from God upon the ordinand. Often, but not always the process towards ordination begins with the individual sensing a call from God upon them. Once they acknowledge that stirring they speak with their priest. Following that conversation, the conversation will move towards a meeting with the bishop and the formation of a Parish Commission on Ministry to help assess the candidate's call. In time, if appropriate, the candidate goes to the Diocesan Commission on Ministry for confirmation.  The point being that God’s call upon an individual to ordained ministry is not simply based upon an individual’s perceived call but the confirmation by the Church.  May the Lord bless and keep you all.  Bishop Menees

THE EXAMINATION  The Bishop then examines the Ordinand, saying  So that this Congregation of Christ’s Church may know your intent in these things, I charge you to answer plainly these questions, which I, in the Name of God and his Church, now ask:  Do you believe in your heart that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and according to the Canons of this Church, to the Order and ministry of the Priesthood?  Answer: I do so believe.