A Liturgy For Episcopal Ordination

The following liturgy for the ordination of a priest is taken from the 1979 revision of The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (USA).

Concerning the Service When a bishop is to confer Holy Orders, at least two presbyters must be present. From the beginning of the service until the offertory, the bishop presides from a chair placed close to the people, and facing them, so that all may see and hear what is done. The ordinand is to be vested in surplice or alb, without stole, tippet, or other vesture distinctive of ecclesiastical or academic rank or order. When the ordinand is presented his full name (designated by the symbol N.N.) is used. Thereafter, it is appropriate to refer to him only by the Christian name by which he wishes to be known. At the offertory, it is appropriate that the bread and wine be brought to altar by the family or friends of the newly ordained. At the Great Thanksgiving, the new priest and other priests stand at the altar with the bishop, as associates and fellow ministers of the sacrament, and communicate with the bishop. The family of the newly ordained may receive Communion before other members of the congregation. Opportunity is always given to the people to communicate. The Service A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung. The people standing, the bishop says: Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

In place of the above, from Easter day through the day of Pentecost:

Bishop: Alleluia, Christ is risen.

People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

In Lent and on other penitential occasions

Bishop: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

People: His mercy endures for ever. Bishop: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Presentation The bishop and people sit. A priest and a lay person, and additional presenters if desired, standing before the bishop, present the ordinand, saying: [N.], Bishop in the Church of God, on behalf of the clergy and people of the Diocese of [N.], we present to you [N.N.] to be ordained a priest in Christ's holy catholic church. Bishop: Has he been selected in accordance with the canons of this church? And do you believe his manner of life to be suitable to the exercise of this ministry? Presenters: We certify to you that he has satisfied the requirements of the canons, and we believe him to be qualified for this order.

The bishop says to the ordinand:

Will you be loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this church has received them? And will you, in accordance with the canons of this church, obey your bishop and other ministers who may have authority over you and your work?

Answer: I am willing and ready to do so; and I solemnly declare that I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation; and I do solemnly engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church.

The Ordinand then signs the above Declaration in the sight of all present.

All stand. The bishop says to the people: Dear friends in Christ, you know the importance of this ministry, and the weight of your responsibility in presenting [N.N.] for ordination to the sacred priesthood. Therefore, if any of you know any impediment or crime because of which we should not proceed, come forward now, and make it known.

If no objection is made, the bishop continues:

Is it your will that [N.] be ordained a priest?

The people respond in these or other words:

It is.

Bishop: Will you uphold him in this ministry? The people respond in these or other words: We will.

The bishop then calls the people to prayer with these or similar words:

In peace let us pray to the Lord. All kneel, and the person appointed leads the Litany for Ordinations, or some other approved litany. At the end of the litany, after the Kyries, the bishop stands and reads the Collect for the Day, or the following Collect or both, first saying: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Bishop: Let us pray. O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD Three lessons are read. Lay persons read the Old Testament lesson and the Epistle. The readings are ordinarily selected from the following list and may be lengthened if desired. On a major feast, or on a Sunday, the bishop may select readings from the Proper of the Day. Old Testament: Isaiah 6:1–8; or Numbers 11:16–17, 24–25 (omitting the final clause) Psalm 43 or 132:8–18 Epistle: 1 Peter 5:1–4;* or Ephesians 4:7, 11–16; or Philippians 4:4–9 *It is to be noted that where the words elder, elders, and fellow elder appear in the translations of 1 Peter 5:1, the original Greek terms presbyter, presbyters, and fellow presbyter are to be substituted. The Reader first says: A Reading (Lesson) from______. A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.

After each reading, the Reader may say:

The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God. or the Reader may say: Here ends the reading (Epistle).

Silence may follow.

A Psalm, canticle, or hymn follows each reading. Then, all standing, the deacon, or if no deacon is present, a priest reads the Gospel, first saying: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to______. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. Gospel: Matthew 9:35–38; or John 10:11–18; or John 6:35–38

After the Gospel, the Reader says:

The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Sermon The congregation then says or sings the Nicene Creed: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. The Examination All are seated except the ordinand, who stands before the bishop. The bishop addresses the ordinand as follows: My brother, the church is the family of God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. All baptized people are called to make Christ known as Savior and Lord, and to share in the renewing of his world. Now you are called to work as a pastor, priest, and teacher, together with your bishop and fellow presbyters, and to take your share in the councils of the church. As a priest, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to fashion your life in accordance with its precepts. You are to love and serve the people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. You are to preach, to declare God's forgiveness to penitent sinners, to pronounce God's blessing, to share in the administration of Holy Baptism and in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ's body and blood, and to perform the other ministrations entrusted to you. In all that you do, you are to nourish Christ's people from the riches of his grace, and strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come. My brother, do you believe that you are truly called by God and his church to this priesthood?

Answer: I believe I am so called.

Bishop: Do you now in the presence of the church commit yourself to this trust and responsibility? Answer: I do. Bishop: Will you respect and be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of your bishop? Answer: I will. Bishop: Will you be diligent in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures, and in seeking the knowledge of such things as may make you a stronger and more able minister of Christ? Answer: I will. Bishop: Will you endeavor so to minister the Word of God and the sacraments of the New Covenant, that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and received? Answer: I will. Bishop: Will you undertake to be a faithful pastor to all whom you are called to serve, laboring together with them and with your fellow ministers to build up the family of God? Answer: I will. Bishop: Will you do your best to pattern your life [and that of your family, or household, or community] in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to your people? Answer: I will. Bishop: Will you persevere in prayer, both in public and in private, asking God's grace, both for yourself and for others, offering all your labors to God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, and in the sanctification of the Holy Spirit? Answer: I will. Bishop: May the Lord who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them. Answer: Amen. The Consecration of the Priest All now stand except the ordinand, who kneels facing the bishop and the presbyters who stand to the right and left of the bishop. The hymn, "?Veni Creator Spiritus?" or the hymn "?Veni Sancte Spiritus?" is sung. A period of silent prayer follows, the people still standing. The bishop then says this Prayer of Consecration: God and Father of all, we praise you for your infinite love in calling us to be a holy people in the kingdom of your Son Jesus our Lord, who is the image of your eternal and invisible glory, the firstborn among many brethren, and the head of the church. We thank you that by his death he has overcome death, and, having ascended into heaven, has poured his gifts abundantly upon your people, making some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of the ministry and the building up of his body.

Here the bishop lays hands upon the head of the ordinand, the priests who are present also laying on their hands. At the same time the bishop prays:

Therefore, Father, through Jesus Christ your Son, give your Holy Spirit to [N.]; fill him with grace and power, and make him a priest in your church.

The bishop then continues:

May he exalt you, O Lord, in the midst of your people; offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you; boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation; and rightly administer the sacraments of the New Covenant. Make him a faithful pastor, a patient teacher, and a wise councilor. Grant that in all things he may serve without reproach, so that your people may be strengthened and your name glorified in all the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.

The people in a loud voice respond: Amen. The new priest is now vested according to the order of priests. The bishop then gives a Bible to the newly ordained, saying: Receive this Bible as a sign of the authority given you to preach the Word of God and to administer his holy Sacraments. Do not forget the trust committed to you as a priest of the church of God.

The bishop greets the newly ordained.

The Peace The new priest then says to the congregation: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.

The presbyters present greet the newly ordained; who then greets family members and others, as may be convenient. The clergy and people greet one another.

THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST The liturgy continues with the offertory. Deacons prepare the Table. Standing at the Lord's Table, with the bishop and other presbyters, the newly ordained priest joins in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and in the Breaking of the Bread. After Communion In place of the usual post-Communion prayer, the following is said: Almighty Father, we thank you for feeding us with the holy food of the Body and Blood of your Son, and for uniting us through him in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit. We thank you for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of your Word and Sacraments. We pray that [N.] may be to us an effective example in word and action, in love and patience, and in holiness of life. Grant that we, with him, may serve you now, and always rejoice in your glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The bishop then asks the new priest to bless the people.

The new priest says: The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

A deacon, or a priest if no deacon is present, dismisses the people.

Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.

People: Thanks be to God.

From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost "?Alleluia, Alleluia?" may be added to the dismissal and to the response.

THE LITANY FOR ORDINATIONS For use at Ordinations as directed. On Ember Days or other occasions, if desired, this litany may be used for the prayers of the people at the Eucharist or the Daily Office, or it may be used separately. God the Father, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us. We pray to you, Lord Christ. Lord, hear our prayer. For the holy church of God, that it may be filled with truth and love, and be found without fault at the Day of your Coming, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For all members of your church in their vocation and ministry, that they may serve you in a true and godly life, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For [N.], our Presiding Bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons, that they may be filled with your love, may hunger for truth, and may thirst after righteousness, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For [N.], chosen bishop [priest, deacon] in your church, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. That he may faithfully fulfill the duties of this ministry, build up your church, and glorify your name, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. That by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit he may be sustained and encouraged to persevere to the end, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For his family [the members of his household or community], that they may be adorned with all Christian virtues, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease and that all may be one as you and the Father are one. We pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For the mission of the church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For those who do not yet believe, and for those who have lost their faith, that they may receive the light of the Gospel, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For those in positions of public trust [especially], that they may serve justice and promote the dignity and freedom of every person, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For a blessing upon all human labor, and for the right use of the riches of creation, that the world may be freed from poverty, famine, and disaster, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For ourselves; for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the grace of the Holy Spirit to amend our lives, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For all who have died in the communion of your church, and those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. Rejoicing in the fellowship of [the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, (blessed N.) and] all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life to Christ our God. To you, O Lord our God. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. At ordinations, the bishop who is presiding stands and says:

The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you. Bishop: Let us pray.

The bishop says the appointed Collect.

When this Litany is used on other occasions, the Officiant concludes with a suitable Collect.

Additional Directions At All Ordinations. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist may be according to Rite One or Rite Two. In either case, the rubrics of the service of ordination are followed. The summary of the law, the Gloria in excelsis, the prayers of the people after the creed, the general confession, and the usual post-Communion prayer are not used. At the presentation of the ordinand, the declaration "?I do believe the Holy Scriptures …?" is to be provided as a separate document to be signed, as directed by Article VIII of the Constitution of this church and by the rubrics in each of the ordination rites. (When there are more ordinands than one, each is to be presented with a separate copy for signature.) The hymn to the Holy Spirit before the prayer of consecration may be sung responsively between a bishop and the congregation, or in some other convenient manner. If vestments or other symbols of office are to be dedicated, such blessing is to take place at some convenient time prior to the service. The following form may be used: V. Our help is in the name of the Lord; R. The maker of heaven and earth. V. The Lord be with you. R. And also with you. Let us pray. Everliving God, whose power is limitless, we place before you, with our praise and thanks, these tokens of your servant's ministry and dignity. Grant that [N.], who has been called to leadership in your church, and bears these signs, may faithfully serve you and share in the fullness of your life-giving Spirit; through the high priest and good shepherd of us all, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Ordination of a Bishop. Following the consecration prayer, and while the new bishop is being clothed with the vesture of the episcopate, instrumental music may be played.

Following the presentation of the Bible and the formula "?Receive the Holy Scriptures …?" a ring, staff, and mitre, or other suitable insignia of office may be presented. During the eucharistic prayer, it is appropriate that some of the consecrating bishops and representative presbyters of the diocese stand with the new bishop at the altar as fellow ministers of the sacrament. The newly ordained bishop, assisted by other ministers, distributes Holy Communion to the people. When necessary, the administration may take place at several conveniently separated places in the church. After the pontifical blessing and the dismissal, a hymn of praise may be sung. The bishops who are present are not to depart without signing the Letters of Consecration. At the Ordination of a Priest. Reasonable opportunity is to be given for the priests present to join in the laying on of hands. The stole worn about the neck, or other insignia of the office of priest, is placed upon the new priest after the entire prayer of consecration is completed and immediately before the Bible is presented. Afterwards, other instruments or symbols of office may be given. If two or more are ordained together, each is to have his own presenters. The ordinands may be presented together, or in succession, as the bishop may direct. Thereafter, references to the ordinand in the singular are changed to the plural where necessary. The ordinands are examined together. During the prayer of consecration, the bishop and priests lay their hands upon the head of each ordinand. During the laying on of hands, the bishop alone says over each ordinand: "?Father, through Jesus Christ your Son, give your Holy Spirit to [N.]; fill him with grace and power, and make him a priest in your church.?" When they have laid their hands upon all the ordinands, the bishop continues: "?May they exalt you, O Lord, in the midst …?" A Bible is to be given to each new priest, and the words "?Receive this Bible …?" are to be said to each one. All the newly ordained take part in the exchange of the peace, and join the bishop and other priests at the altar for the Great Thanksgiving. Similarly, all the new priests break the consecrated bread and receive Holy Communion. At the Ordination of a Deacon. The stole worn over the left shoulder, or other insignia of the office of deacon, is placed upon the new deacon after the entire prayer of consecration is completed and immediately before the Bible is given. If two or more are ordained together, each is to have his own presenters. The ordinands may be presented together, or in succession, as the bishop may direct. Thereafter, references to the ordinand in the singular are changed to the plural where necessary. The ordinands are examined together. During the prayer of consecration, the bishop is to lay hands upon the head of each ordinand, and say over each one: "?Father, through Jesus Christ your Son, give your Holy Spirit to [N.]; fill him with grace and power, and make him a deacon in your church.?" After laying hands upon all the ordinands, the bishop continues "?Make them, O Lord, modest and humble .…?" A Bible is to be given to each new deacon, and the words "?Receive this Bible …?" are also to be said to each one. After participating in the peace, the deacons go to the altar for the offertory. If there are many deacons, some assist in the offertory and others administer Holy Communion. One, appointed by the bishop, is to say the dismissal. When desired, deacons may be appointed to carry the sacrament and minister Holy Communion to those communicants who, because of sickness or other grave cause, could not be present at the ordination. If the remaining elements are not required for the Communion of the absent, it is appropriate for the deacons to remove the vessels from the Altar, consume the remaining elements, and cleanse the vessels in some convenient place. Commentary Concerning the Service. These notes give additional information to those involved in the planning and the actual celebration of an ordination. Further directions common to all the ordination rites are given at the end of the ordination services. (1) In keeping with ancient Western tradition (from at least the late third century) other presbyters (priests) participate in the ordination of a presbyter by joining the bishop in laying hands on the candidate in the context of the prayer of ordination. (2) The bishop should be clearly seen by the congregation during the rites of ordination. The placement of the bishop's chair will be determined by the arrangement of the chancel. If necessary, provision should also be made for a microphone at the chair so that the bishop may be heard throughout the rite. (3) The candidate wears the basic vestments common to both lay and ordained ministers, namely, the cassock and surplice or the alb. The alb has become the common ecumenical vestment and is more appropriate than the (cassock and) surplice. After the imposition of hands, the distinctive vestment(s) appropriate to the order of presbyters is given to the new priest, e.g., stole (and chasuble). (4) The candidate is addressed by his or her full name only at the initial presentation, thereafter only by the first name or the name by which the candidate wishes to be called. (5) Since the celebration of an ordination is primarily a celebration of the church and its ministry, undue attention should not be given to the family of the candidate. Nevertheless, it is appropriate for the family or friends of the new priest to participate in the service by presenting the bread and wine for the Eucharist. The new priest may also exchange the peace with his or her family. (6) According to the ancient rites for ordination, the new priest joins the ranks of the other presbyters immediately at the end of the ordination rite. The new priest stands with the other presbyters at the altar for the eucharistic prayer. This is traditionally referred to a concelebration. In the early form of concelebration, the presbyters did not verbally participate in the recitation of the prayer of thanksgiving, but signified their participation as presbyters by their presence near the bishop, by wearing the vestments of their order, and by gesture (extending their hands over the gifts or in the gesture of prayer). (7) The reception of the sacrament by the people should not be limited in any way. A sufficient amount of bread and wine should be consecrated, and provision should be made to ensure that there are enough ministers to distribute the Eucharist to the people. The family of the new presbyter may receive Holy Communion before the remainder of the congregation. The Ordination of a Priest. The ordination rite begins in the usual way with the singing of a hymn, psalm, or anthem. The bishop then says or sings the introductory acclamation and the collect for purity. The Gloria, the Kyrie, and Trisagion are omitted from the ordination service, and their place is taken by the presentation of the candidate. The Presentation. The first part of the ordination rite begins with the presentation of the candidate(s). Normally each candidate is presented by a presbyter and a lay person, but there may be additional presenters, lay or clerical. Care should be taken that the presentation not be overdone. The purpose of this portion of the rite is to ensure that the candidate has been called to ordination by the church, that he or she has been properly prepared to undertake the ministerial office, and leads a life appropriate to the ministry. The candidate, in turn, is asked to make the declaration required by church law that he or she will be faithful to the doctrine, law, and worship of the Episcopal church and will be obedient to the bishop and other lawful supporters. The declaration is given to the candidate in a written form, and the candidate signs it in the presence of the bishop and the congregation. The bishop then addresses the people and asks for their assurance that there are no reasons why the candidate should not be ordained. They are then asked if they wish the candidate to be ordained and if they will support him or her in the exercise of the ministry. The congregation may respond to the questions using the words provided, or in other appropriate words. It is only with this final approval by the people that the bishop proceeds with the ordination. The bishop invites the people to pray, using the words provided or in his own words, and the Litany for Ordinations is then sung or recited. Another suitable litany may be used. The candidate kneels during the litany; alternatively, the candidate might lie prostrate in humble prayer. It was the ancient tradition of the church for the people to stand for prayer during the season of Easter and on Sundays. If this practice is followed, the candidate kneels and the people stand. The litany constitutes the prayer of the people for the candidate and is one of the basic elements of the ordination rite. It expresses the church's prayer for the one who will exercise its ministry. The bishop concludes the litany with a collect. The collect of the day or the one in the ordination rite may be used. Although both prayers may be said, one after the other, it is probably best to use only one. The Ministry of the Word. The usual pattern of a reading from the Old Testament, New Testament (Epistle), and Gospel is followed. The readings may be chosen from those given in the ordination rite or, on Sundays or feasts, the readings of the day may be chosen. When the readings of the day are used, it may be appropriate for one of the ordination readings to also be used. In such cases, it is usually better to replace the second reading with one of the ordination readings, since the first reading and Gospel are usually related. The sermon is normally based on the Scripture readings and should relate them to the ministry of the church and the order presbyter (priest) which is being conferred. The Nicene Creed is sung or recited immediately after the sermon. The Examination. The ordination rite continues with the examination of the candidate, who stands before the bishop. The bishop first addresses the candidate and explains the duties and responsibilities of a priest. In light of the explanation of the office of priest, the bishop then asks the candidate a series of eight questions: Are you called by God and the church to the priesthood? Do you commit yourself to responsibilities of the priesthood? Will you respect and follow the directions of the bishop? Will you read and study the Scriptures? Will you properly proclaim the Word of God and administer the sacraments? Will you be a faithful pastor for the building up of the church? Will you pattern your life on the teaching of Christ? Will you pray in public and private for yourself and others?

The bishop concludes with the wish that the candidate be assisted by the Lord's grace to keep all that has been promised.

The Consecration of the Priest. The central act of the ordination now takes place. The candidate kneels before the bishop. The presbyters present stand to either side of the bishop in such a way that the people can clearly see what is taking place. The consecration of the priest begins with a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit—"?Veni Creator Spiritus?" or "?Veni Sancte Spiritus.?" Both these hymns are found in The Hymnal 1982, nos. 502, 504, and 226. Before the prayer of consecration is begun, there is a period of silence which continues the prayer for the Holy Spirit begun in the hymn. The prayer of consecration is a return to the ancient practice of the church. In the 1928 Prayer Book, the ordination prayer is very general, and the imposition of hands is accompanied by a separate imperative formula which emphasizes the role of the bishop. The new prayer of consecration incorporates a large part of the prayer of the previous Prayer Book, but adds to it a specific invocation of the Holy Spirit, during which hands are laid on the candidate by the bishop and participating presbyters. Since the bishop and presbyters lay hands on the candidate at the same time, care should be taken that the candidate not be obscured from the view of the people by all the priests surrounding him or her. The prayer concludes with a series of intercessions, which pray that the one being ordained may faithfully exercise the various aspects of the priestly ministry. The remaining rites help to explain the significance of what has just taken place. The new priest is first vested in a stole worn around the neck and hanging before the chest. If desired, a chasuble may also be given. The chasuble is not used if the cassock and surplice is worn. A Bible is given to the priest, and, if desired, other signs of office may be presented, e.g., a chalice and paten. These presentations are reminders that the priest is to proclaim the Word of God and to administer the sacraments. In keeping with the ancient ordination rites, the bishop greets the new priest, welcoming him or her into the ministry of the church. The Peace. The new priest performs his or her first ministerial act by greeting the people. The presbyters present greet the priest, who is now associated with them in the order of the priesthood. Others present may also greet the priest. It should be noted that this greeting is, in fact, the exchange of the peace which concludes the ordination rite and prepares for the Eucharist which now follows. The members of the congregation greet one another in the customary manner. The Celebration of the Eucharist. The altar is prepared, and the gifts of the people are received in the usual way. The new priest joins the bishop and presbyters at the altar for the Great Thanksgiving and the Breaking of the Bread. The new presbyter may also assist in the distribution of the Eucharist. After Communion. This proper post-Communion prayer replaces those contained in the Holy Eucharist: Rite One or Rite Two. In addition to thanking God for the Eucharist which has just been received, the prayer also gives thanks for the gift of the new priest to the church and prays for the faithful exercise of his or her ministry. The liturgy concludes with the new priest blessing the people at the invitation of the bishop. Although the blessing is normally not required when Rite Two is used, it is mandatory on this occasion. The people are then dismissed in the usual way. The Litany for Ordinations. The litany serves several purposes during the ordination rite. It is the intercessory prayer of the congregation for the one(s) being ordained. It also takes the place of the usual prayers of the people which normally conclude The Word of God and are omitted in the ordination service. Additional Directions. These additional rubrics follow the ordination rites and deal with several matters in greater detail than the brief rubrics of the rites. At All Ordinations. (1) The ordination rites take place during the celebration of the Eucharist, which may follow either Rite One or Rite Two. Since the ordination rites take place in the context of the Eucharist, several changes need to be made in the eucharistic liturgy. The ordination rites have their own introductory rites, which replace those of the Eucharist. Because the litany is used, the prayers of the people are omitted. The general confession is omitted, and the proper ordination post-Communion prayer replaces those of the eucharistic liturgy. (2) Each candidate is to have a printed copy of the Declaration, which is signed by the candidate during the service. (3) The hymn to the Holy Spirit may be sung in a variety of ways: responsorially between the bishop and people, by all together, alternately by the choir and congregation, etc. (4) Vestments and other symbols of office are not blessed during the ordination rites, and such a blessing is not really necessary. However, if a blessing is desired, it is done using the prayer provided here at a convenient time before the service. At the Ordination of a Priest. (1) The presbyters present may participate in the laying on of hands. However, the particular circumstances, e.g., the number of priests, the size of the chancel, etc., may require that the number of priests participating in the laying on of hands be limited. (2) The new priest is vested with a stole alone or with a stole and a chasuble after the prayer of consecration. Other symbols of office are presented after the Bible is given to the new priest. Eucharistic vessels (chalice or paten), oil stocks, or pyx are appropriate symbols for presentation at this time. Nevertheless, only the presentation of the Bible is required by the rite. (3) When several candidates are ordained together, they may be presented individually and may have individual presenters, or the candidates may be presented as a group. (4) The presbyters join the bishop in the laying on of hands, but the bishop alone says the prayer. This is done for each candidate, and the bishop continues the prayer of consecration only after all have received the imposition of hands with its corresponding portion of the prayer. (5) The formula for the presentation of the Bible is said individually for each priest when several are ordained at the same time. (6) The newly ordained priests all participate in the peace, stand at the altar for the Great Thanksgiving and assist in the Breaking of the Bread, and receive Communion. Whether they participate in the celebration at any other way will depend on the bishop and local custom.