Ordination of a Priest – Consecration of the Priest

Bishop Eric Menees

Friends, as we continue our journey through the Book of Common Prayer 2019 and specifically the Forming and Manner of Ordaining a Priest. Last week we looked at the calling down of the Holy Spirit in the Veni Creator. This week we look at the actual consecration of the priest.   This is a twofold process that begins with the candidate kneeling before the bishop. This is an outward sign of his submission to the bishop as the ecclesial and spiritual authority. Not dissimilar to the candidates for confirmation though a priest serves directly under the authority of the bishop. Earlier on in the service the Ordinand signs the Oath of Conformity and Canonical Obedience.   The first prayer recalls Christ’s redeeming actions and his sending out of the apostles. The new priest joins in that ministry of the apostles as a vicar of the Bishop Ordinary of the diocese in which he serves.   Following that prayer all of the priests present come forward and lay hands upon the Ordinand as well. In this prayer, and with the anointing of the Holy Spirit the now priest is given the spiritual authority to serve in the sacramental manner of a priest.   I invite your prayerful reading of the prayers below.

CONSECRATION OF THE PRIEST All now stand as witnesses, except the Ordinand, who kneels facing the Bishop.  The Bishop prays the following prayer, first saying Let us pray. Almighty God and most merciful Father, of your infinite love and goodness you have given your only Son Jesus Christ to be our redeemer and the author of everlasting life. After he had made perfect our redemption by his death and resurrection, and ascended into heaven, he sent into the whole world his apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers; by the Holy Spirit, through their labor and ministry, he gathered together a great flock to set forth the eternal praise of your holy Name. For these great benefits, and because you have called this your servant to the same office and ministry, we offer you our most hearty thanks; and we humbly ask that we may daily increase in the knowledge and faith of you and of your Son, and that by this minister, as well as by those entrusted to his care, your holy Name may for ever be glorified, and your blessed kingdom enlarged; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Bishop with the Priests present lays their hands upon the head of each one to receive the Order of Priesthood. The Bishop says Receive the Holy Spirit for the office and work of a Priest in the Church of God, now committed to you by the imposition of our hands. If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven. If you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld. Be a faithful minister of God’s holy Word and Sacraments; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The Bishop then prays the following over the Ordinand.  Send your heavenly blessing upon this your servant, that he may be clothed with righteousness, and that your Word, spoken by his mouth, may have such success that it may never be spoken in vain. Grant also that we may have grace to hear and receive what he shall deliver out of your most holy Word as the means of our salvation; that in all our words and deeds we may seek your glory and the increase of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. The People in a loud voice respond  Amen.