Steps to Ordination Rite of Candidacy Ministry of Lector Ministry of Acolyte Rite of Ordination Diocese of Columbus Office of the Diaconate 197 E. Gay Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 614.241.2545
Rite of Candidacy At the end of the first year of formation (known as the Aspirancy Period), those aspirants, who have been selected by the Committee and the Bishop to continue on then submit a petition, drawn u and signed in their own hand, to the Bishop requesting candidacy. After the Rite of Candidacy has been conferred the candidate can then formally continuer his formation in the Diaconate School of Theology. He receives the Rite of Candidacy prior to his receiving the Ministry of Reader and the Ministry of Acolyte. Aspirants presenting themselves to the Bishop Let us ask God & Lord to pour out His grace and blessing on these servants of His who desire to give their lives to the ministry of the Church. ~Rite of Candidacy Candidates December 2013
Ministry of Lector The candidate at the end of the second year petitions for and if selected receives the Ministry of Lector. This calls them to be servants of the Living Word of God. In proclaiming the readings at liturgy, the reader does more than simply read. Those who exercise the ministry of lector must be truly suited and carefully prepared, so that the faithful may develop a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture from listening to the sacred readings. Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His people. ~Installation of Lector Bishop conferring Ministry of Lector
Ministry of Acolyte The candidate at the end of the third year petitions for and if selected receives the Ministry of Acolyte. As an acolyte the candidate is appointed to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest. It is his duty to attend to the service of the altar and to assist the deacon and the priest in liturgical celebrations, especially in the celebration of Mass. He distributes communion as a special Eucharistic minister when appropriate. Candidates presenting themselves to the Bishop Take this vessel with Bread & Wine for celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and His Church ~Installation of Acolyte Receiving the Ministry of Acolyte
Candidate Wives Wives of Candidates are actively involved throughout the entire process. Taking a break during a diaconate candidate wives retreat. Candidate s wives participating during Mass.
Rite of Ordination At the end of the fourth year of formation prior to ordination the candidate must sign an Oath of Freedom, a Profession of Faith and make formal petition for Ordination to the Diaconate. A married candidate's spouse must also sign a Statement of Consent. Before ordination candidates for the Diaconate shall give to the Ordinary (the Bishop) a declaration drawn up and signed in their own hand, by which they testify that they are about to receive the order freely and of their own accord. Unmarried candidates are required to take a vow of Celibacy. A married candidate is not required to make a vow of celibacy but in accordance with the traditional discipline of the Church, a married deacon whose spouse has died cannot enter a new marriage unless given proper dispensation from the Holy See. Examination of Intent Promise of Obedience to the Bishop and his Successors Prostration and Litany of the Saints
Rite of Ordination Laying on of Hands Investiture of Stole and Dalmatic - the signs of the Office of Deacon Receive the Gospel of Christ Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you now are. Believe what you read. Teach what you believe and Practice what your preach. ~Rite of Ordination Liturgy of the Eucharist
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