Ordination of a Deacon

 
A hymn may be sung as the procession enters. The Bishop may be received in the traditional manner with the form found on page 692. The people standing, the Bishop may say

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 forgiveth all our sins;
People                His mercy endureth for ever.

The Bishop then says

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
The Presentation

The Bishop and people sit. Priests and Lay persons, 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 unto thee N.N. to be ordained a deacon in Christ's Holy Catholic Church.

Bishop

Hath he been selected in accordance with the canons of this Church? And do ye believe his manner of life to be suitable to the exercise of this ministry?

Presenters

We certify to thee 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

Wilt thou be loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them? And wilt thou, in accordance with the canons of this Church, obey thy bishop and other ministers who may have authority over thee and thy work?

The Ordinand responds

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 this Declaration in the sight of all present.

All now stand. The Bishop says to the people

Beloved in Christ, ye know the importance of this ministry, and the weight of your responsibility in presenting N. for ordination to the sacred order of deacons. Therefore if anyone knoweth any impediment or notable crime in this person presented for which we ought not to proceed, let him come forth in the Name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is.

If no objection is made, the Bishop continues

Is it your will that N. be ordained a deacon?

The People respond

It is.

Bishop

Will ye uphold him in this ministry?

The People respond

We will.

The Bishop then calls the people to prayer with one of the following or similar words

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

or

Dearly beloved, let us pray that God the Almighty Father will send his manifold gifts from heaven to this servant of his, whom he hath chosen for the Office of Deacon, and will help him to accomplish the task he hath permitted him to undertake.

All kneel.

The Litanist begins the following, or the Litany of Saints which is found on page 403, or some other approved litany.

 
The Litany for Ordinations

O God the Father,
Have mercy upon us.

O God the Son,
Have mercy upon us.

O God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy upon us.

O Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy upon us.

We pray to thee, Lord Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the holy Church of God, that she may be filled with truth and love, and be found without fault at the Day of thy Coming, we pray to thee, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For all members of thy Church in their vocation and ministry, that they may serve thee in a true and godly life, we pray to thee, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For N., our Chief Bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons, that they may be filled with thy love, may hunger for thy truth, and may thirst after righteousness, we pray to thee, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
 

For N., chosen (priest, deacon) in thy Church, we pray to thee, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

That he may faithfully fulfill the duties of this ministry, build up thy Church, and glorify thy Name, we pray to thee, 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 thee, 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 thee, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness she may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to thee, 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 thee, 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 thee, 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 thee, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
 

For a blessing on all human labor, and for the right use of the riches of creation, that the world may be free from poverty, famine, and disaster, we pray to thee, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

 
For all who have died in the communion of thy Church, and for those whose faith is known to thee 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 thee, 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 thee, O Lord our God.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
    Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

The Bishop stands and says

                  The Lord be with you.
People      And with thy spirit.
Bishop      Let us pray.

The Bishop then reads the Collect of the Day, or the following collect, or both.

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably upon thy whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; and by the tranquil operation of thy providence, carry out the work of man's salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being renewed unto the perfection of him through whom all things were made, thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
The Ministry of the Word

Three lessons are read. 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     Jeremiah 1:4-9, or Ecclesiasticus 39:1-8
Psalm      84, or 119:33-40
Epistle    2 Corinthians 4:1-6, or I Timothy 3:8-13, or Acts 6:2-7
Gospel    Luke 12:35-38, or Luke 22:24-27

Before the Old Testament and Epistle, the reader first says

A Reading from _______________.

A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.

After each reading, the Reader says

                The Word of the Lord.
People     Thanks be to God.

Before the Gospel, a hymn or psalm may be sung. A Deacon or Priest reads the Gospel, first saying
 

Reader People

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to ________________ Glory be to thee, O Lord.

After the Gospel, the Reader says

                   The Gospel of the Lord.
People       Praise be to thee, O Christ.

The Sermon

The Congregation then stands and sings or says the Nicene Creed

I believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible;

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of his Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light,
very God of very God, begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father;
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation
    came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost
    of the Virgin Mary, and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered and was buried;
and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures,
and ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of the Father;
and he shall come again, with glory,
    to Judge both the quick and the dead;
whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life,
who proceedeth from the Father (and the Son);
who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped
    and glorified;
who spake by the Prophets.
And I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church;
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins;
and I 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, every Christian is called to follow Jesus Christ, serving God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. God doth now call thee to a special ministry of servanthood directly under thy bishop. In the name of Jesus Christ, thou art to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely.

As a deacon in the Church, thou art to study the Holy Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model thy life upon them. Thou art to make Christ and his redemptive love known, by thy word and example, to those among whom thou dost live, and work, and worship. Thou art to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. Thou art to assist the Bishop and Priests in public worship and in the ministration of God's Word and Sacraments, and thou art to carry out other duties assigned to thee from time to time. At all times, thy life and teaching are to show Christ's people that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself.

My brother, dost thou believe that thou art truly called by God and his Church to the life and work of a deacon?

Ordinand      Amen.

The Consecration of the Deacon

All now stand except the Ordinand, who kneels facing the Bishop. The hymn, Veni Creator Spiritus, or the hymn, Veni Sancte Spiritus, is now sung. A period of silent prayer follows, the people still standing.

The Bishop then says this Prayer of Consecration

O God, most merciful Father, we praise thee for sending thy Son Jesus Christ, who took upon himself the form of a servant, and humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death on the cross. We praise thee that thou hast highly exalted him, and made him Lord of all; and that, through him, we know that whoever would be great must be the servant of all. We praise thee for the many ministries in thy Church, and for calling this thy servant to the order of deacons.

Here the Bishop lays hands upon the head of the Ordinand, and prays

Therefore, Father, through Jesus Christ thy Son, give thy Holy Spirit to N.; fill him with grace and power, and make him a deacon in thy Church.

The Bishop then continues

Make him, O Lord, modest and humble, strong and constant, to observe the discipline of Christ. Let his life and teaching so reflect thy commandments, that through him many may come to know thee and love thee. As thy Son came not to be served but to serve, may this deacon share in Christ's service, and come to the unending glory of him who, with thee and the holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever.

The People, in a loud voice, respond     Amen.

The new Deacon is now vested according to the order of deacons.
 

As the Deacon is vested with the stole, the Bishop shall say

Receive this noble stole from the hand of God; fulfill the work of thy ministry. May God who is mighty assist thee with his grace, who liveth and reigneth world without end. Amen.

As the Deacon is vested with the Dalmatic, the Bishop shall say

May the Lord clothe thee with the garment of salvation and the vesture of gladness; may the Dalmatic of righteousness alway cloak thee in the Name of the Lord. Amen.

 
The Bishop gives a Bible to the newly ordained, saying

Receive this Bible as the sign of thine authority to proclaim God's Word and to assist in the ministration of his holy Sacraments. In the Name of the Lord. Amen.

 
The Peace

The Bishop greets the newly ordained Deacon.

                  The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People      And with thy spirit.

Greetings and necessary announcements are now made.

The Liturgy continues with the Offertory of the Mass, page 259.

 
After Communion

In place of the usual post communion prayer, the people kneel, and the Bishop and people pray

Almighty Father, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and that thou dost make us one body through him in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. We thank thee for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of thy Word and Sacraments. We pray that N. may be unto us an effectual example in word and action, in love and patience, and in holiness of life. Grant that we, with him, may serve thee now and always rejoice in thy glory; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Bishop then blesses the people
 

Pontifical Blessing

Bishop People Bishop People Bishop   People

Our help is in the Name of the Lord. Who hath made heaven and earth. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. From this time forth for evermore. The blessing, mercy, and grace of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

  The new Deacon then dismisses the people, who respond "Thanks be to God." From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost "Alleluia, alleluia" may be added to the dismissal and the response.

Celebration of a New Ministry

The Apostle Paul teaches us that in the ministries of the Church, the "pastors and teachers" are "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ .... " (Ephesians 4: 11-12) This service provides the local church with an opportunity to affirm and celebrate the beginning of a relationship between a church leader (usually a rector) and the people whom he has been called to serve.

A priest undertakes his new ministry reminded that he stands as God's steward before the people and as the people's representative before God. Emphasis in the service is placed upon both the joy and the seriousness of serving Christ and His Church, for the man being inducted and for those who will minister with him for the "building up of the body of Christ." The community that celebrates this new ministry is reminded of its place in the life of its diocese through the presence of the Bishop or his representative. A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.

 
The Institution

The Bishop (or his representative) shall be seated in a chair before the Altar. The Wardens, standing before him with the new minister, say these or similar words

Right Reverend Father in God: We present unto thee N.N. who has been chosen to serve as Rector of this parish. We do believe him to be well qualified, and that he has been prayerfully and lawfully selected.
 

The new Minister shall kneel in front of the Bishop, and the Bishop shall say,

Dearly beloved brethren, N., elected Rector of this Church, is present here to enter upon his office; wherefore we think fit that he shall be examined, according to the rule of the godly Fathers, in those things which belong to our holy religion and to the clerical state. Wherefore, before instituting him thereto, I require that if any of you do know of any just cause or impediment why he should be instituted to this office, ye do now declare it.

If any objection be alleged, the Institutor, according to his discretion, shall suspend or continue the service.

Brother, seeing that the grace of God, and the choice of this congregation and thy former life have called thee to this office, we desire to know from thine own lips, whether thou art willing to dwell with thy flock in this place, to refrain thyself from all evil ways, and to devote thyself to all good works, as God shall grant?

Answer   I am willing.

Bishop
Wilt thou diligently observe and keep thy priestly vows and pledges, and instruct those set under thee?

Answer   I will, God being my helper.

Bishop
Wilt thou be a good steward of the goods of this Church, and guard them for the benefit of the brethren, the poor, and strangers?

Answer   I will, God being my helper.

Bishop
Wilt thou observe holiness and patience, and teach others the like?

Answer   I will, God being my helper.

Bishop
Wilt thou busy thyself in holy things, and shun earthly concerns, so far as human frailty suffereth thee?

Answer   I will, God being my helper.

Bishop
Wilt thou be courteous and merciful to the poor and the stranger, and to all that are in need, for the honor of God's Name?

Answer   I will, God being my helper.

Bishop
Wilt thou yield canonical obedience in all things to thy Mother Church?

Answer   I will, God being my helper.

 
The Bishop may read the Letter of Institution, or else may state the purpose of the new ministry. If the previous examination has not taken place, the Bishop inquires whether the new minister commits himself to this new ministry.

The Bishop then addresses the congregation

Will ye who witness this new beginning support and uphold N. in this ministry?

People   We will.
 

The Bishop, standing, says

Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

The following is said, all kneeling,

Almighty God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
maker of all things, judge of all men:
We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins
    and wickedness,
which we from time to time
    most grievously have committed,
by thought, word, and deed, against thy divine Majesty,
provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation
    against us.
We do earnestly repent,
and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings;
the remembrance of them is grievous unto us;
the burden of them is intolerable.
Have mercy upon us,
have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake,
forgive us all that is past;
and grant that we may ever hereafter
serve and please thee in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of thy Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Bishop, standing, says

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
The Bishop continues

Let us offer our prayers to God for all his people, for this congregation, and for N., their Rector.

The Litany for Ordinations, page 420, or some other appropriate litany, is led by a person appointed. At the end of the litany, the Bishop, standing, says the following or some other Collect, first saying

                  The Lord be with you.
People      And with thy spirit.
Bishop      Let us pray.

Most gracious Father, the giver of all good and perfect gifts, who of thy wise providence hast appointed divers orders in thy Church; give thy grace, we beseech thee, to thy servant, to whom the charge of this congregation is now committed; and so replenish him with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue him with innocency of life, that he may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great name, and the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ, our only mediator and redeemer. Amen.

At the Liturgy of the Word

The Readings are selected from the following list, or the Proper of the Day.

Old Testament     Joshua 1:7-9, or Numbers 11:16-17, 24-25a
Psalm       43, or 132:1-9, or 146, or 133 and 134 (especially suitable
                              for use in the evening)
Epistle     Romans 12:1-18, or Ephesians4:7, 11-16
Gospel     John 15:9-16, or Luke 10:1-2, or John 14:11-15

The Sermon

The Induction

Representatives of the congregation and of the clergy of the diocese stand before the Bishop with the new minister.

The Senior Warden, or some other lay parishioner, shall deliver the keys of the Church to the new Minister, saying,

In the name of this Parish (or Church), I, N.N., acknowledge you, N.N., as Priest and Rector of the same, and in token thereof give into your hands the keys of this Church.

Then the new Minister shall answer,

I, N.N., receive these keys of the House of God at your hands, as the pledge of my institution, and of your recognition, and I promise to be a faithful shepherd over you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

The Bishop, representatives of the Congregation, and of the diocese then present the new minister with a Bible, a Book of Common Prayer, and canons of the Church and the Bishop says

Receive these Books; and let them be the rule of thy conduct in dispensing the divine Word, in leading the devotions of the people, and in exercising the discipline of the Church; and be thou in all things a pattern to the flock committed to thy care.

Other symbols of office may be presented, with appropriate words, if desired. Then the Bishop shall lead him to his stall, and say

O praise the Lord for his goodness, and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men. Exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the seat of the elders.

Then shall the Bishop say to the minister

Almighty God be thy Helper, in these and all other good things.
 

Then shall the Bishop say to the people

                  The Lord be with you.
People      And with thy spirit.
Bishop      Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee Almighty God, the increase of thy grace to this thy servant, whom we have elected to the cure of souls, that by thy bounty we, and the choice we have made, may be pleasing unto thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Bishop may then add one or more of the following

O God, who rulest all the kingdoms of the earth according to thy divine pleasure, we humbly pray and beseech thee to bless with the grace of heavenly sanctification this thy servant N., whom we have chosen as Pastor of this Church; that in his days holy discipline may increase, and that by thy help, he may set a good example to his flock, and carrying on his warfare in thy fear and with gentleness to his people, may be ever peacefully sheltered under the shield of thy majesty. Vouchsafe to strengthen him with thy divine right hand, that he may be a wise steward, and able to help lovingly all them that need. Be thou his worship, his joy in his home, his companion in his journeys, his comfort in sorrow, his counsel in doubt, his medicine in sickness, his helper in toil, his defense in adversity, his patience in tribulation. Let him learn in thee forethought and wisdom, to rule prudently the flock entrusted to him, that ever prospering and rejoicing in the riches of thy bountiful goodness, he may thankfully enjoy the temporal gifts of this present life, and finally be united in everlasting fellowship with the heavenly citizens and the choirs of angels; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Look down graciously, O Lord, we beseech thee, on this thy servant, and give him true knowledge, unshaken hope, right counsel, and holy doctrine, that he may be meet to receive the grace of thy blessing, and, without offense, may follow the footsteps of thy saints, and cause his flock to follow him by his godly teachings; and that he may bear in mind that whoso taketh on himself the guidance of souls, must give an account for them all in the Judgment Day to our Lord Jesus Christ. Who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

O Holy Jesus, who hast purchased to thyself an universal Church, and hast promised to be with the Ministers of Apostolic Succession to the end of the world; be graciously pleased to bless the ministry and service of him who is now appointed to offer the sacrifices of prayer and praise to thee in this house, which is called by thy Name. May the words of his mouth, and the meditation of his heart, be alway acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen.

O God, Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful, visit, we pray thee, this congregation with thy love and favor; enlighten their minds more and more with the light of the everlasting gospel; graft in their hearts a love of the truth; increase in them true religion; nourish them with all goodness; and of thy great mercy keep them in the same, 0 blessed Spirit, whom, with the Father and the Son together, we worship and glorify as one God, world without end. Amen.

The Veni Creator may then be sung, all kneeling. the Bishop returns to his seat before the Altar, addressing the new minister, who kneels before him.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

I, N., Bishop of the Diocese of __________, by the authority committed to me, do hereby give thee, N., Institution and Mission (and cure of souls as Pastor of this Church or parish) and authority to preach the Word, and to administer the Sacraments herein.

The Bishop, standing and facing the people, says

O God, the author of all good things, who by thine apostle Paul didst ordain elders to bear rule in every Church, we humbly beseech thee to guard with thy gracious protection this thy servant N., instituted this day as pastor over thy sheep in this place, and grant him, we pray thee, so to rule those set under him, that he and they all may attain the kingdom of heaven, and that ever aided by thy help, and stayed by the doctrine of thine apostles, he may joyfully enter the gates of Paradise, bearing fruit an hundredfold, and there hear thy commendation, well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will set thee over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Which may he grant, who with the Father and the Son liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

 
The new minister may then kneel in the midst of the church, and say

O Lord my God, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; yet thou hast honored thy servant with appointing him to stand in thy house, and to serve at thy holy altar. To thee and to thy service I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit, with all their powers and faculties. Fill my memory with the words of thy Law; enlighten my understanding with the illumination of the Holy Ghost; and may all the wishes and desires of my will center in what thou hast commanded. And, to make me instrumental in promoting the salvation of the people now committed to my charge; grant that I may faithfully administer thy holy Sacraments, and by my life and doctrine set forth thy true and lively Word. Be ever with me in the performance of all the duties of my ministry: in prayer, to quicken my devotion; in praises, to heighten my love and gratitude; and in preaching, to give a readiness of thought and expression suitable to the clearness and excellency of thy holy Word. Grant this for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.

The Bishop then presents the new minister to the congregation. When appropriate, the family of the new minister may also be presented at this time.

The new Minister then says to the people

                  The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People      And with thy spirit.

At the Eucharist

The service continues with the Offertory.

Except on Major Feasts, the Preface may be that for Apostles and Ordinations.

After Communion
 

 
Let us pray.

Almighty Father, we thank thee for feeding us with the holy food of the Body and Blood of thy Son, and for uniting us through him in the fellowship of thy Holy Spirit. We thank thee for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of thy 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 thee now, and always rejoice in thy glory; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

A newly inducted Priest may, at the Bishop's request, pronounce a blessing.

A Deacon, or a Priest if no deacon is present, dismisses the assembly.

Te Deum may be sung.