Awesome Ordination Service!

[tamie]

Friday night I attended an ordination at my Church. Br. Dan has been with us for his year of the deaconate and when the time came for him to be ordained, he wanted to do it at my Church. I almost did not go, but now I am so very glad I did.

Seeing 22 priests processing down the aisle was the first powerful moment of the service. Seeing my Bishop for the first time ever, was the next one. And it just went on from there. The music was beautiful and traditional. The Bishop sang alot of the service which is something that I have not experienced yet. The Rites that Br. Dan (now Fr Dan) went through were so touching. I was not in a position to see Fr. Dan when he was prostrate on the floor during the litany of the saints, but still I felt the power and wonder of God. I was moved to tears more than once during the service. To see the joy on Fr. Dan’s face was in itself something to see. He is going to be a wonderful priest and the people he will serve (in Belize) will be blessed to have him thats for sure!

If you have never been to an ordination and get the opportunity, do whatever you can to make sure you get there! It is an experience you will carry with you for a very long time!

 

[jpjd]

Can “just anyone” attend an ordination, or is it by invitation only?

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Anyone can attend. Ordination is conferred in the context of the Mass, and the Mass is always a public prayer.

 

[Seminarian_Matt]

I was a server at an ordination last Saturday. It was great and holy! And, yes, anyone can attend an ordination. It is also great to get a blessing from a newly ordained priest. There is also a plenary indulgence available:

A plenary indulgence is granted to a priest on the occasion of the first Mass he celebrates with some solemnity and to the faithful who devoutly assist at the same Mass.

ALSO:

It is customary for those who attend the priest’s Ordination and/or first Mass to kiss the palms of his hands which have been consecrated by holy oils. Palm-kissing at either time results in an indulgence of 100 days under the usual conditions. An indulgence of 7 years, under the usual conditions, was traditionally received for piously attending a priest’s first Mass – the indulgence having been plenary if the one attending is related to the third degree to the newly-ordained priest. Indulgenced or not, kissing a newly-ordained priest’s hands is the traditional practice. To do so, kneel on the left knee (or bow profoundly if kneeling is not an option) and kiss the palm of each hand.

 

[acadian]

I had a similar experience during Holy Week. The seminarian who had been at our parish last year for a 7 month internship, had left in December uncertain about whether priesthood was in his future. He wasn’t ordained to the transitional diaconate in January with the other members of his class. Instead he was ordained (to the diaconate) at his parish church during Holy Week. We were all invited, and many from our parish attended. It was a beautiful service and a great experience. The best part, I think, was seeing him grinning from ear to ear during the recessional.

He will be ordained to the priesthood at the end of June, and we are invited to his first Mass. Our plans are to be there. He will be an awesome priest!

 

[MCH]

I am attending a friend’s ordination in December, and am very excited as it will be a new experience for me.What is an appropriate gift for my friend?He is part of a religious order.

 

[stbruno]

You can almost give him anything you wish. If you wish to offer some money to help defray his expenses that also would be appropriate. Many times, people will present a rite book, for baptism, funerals etc…that they would use in their ministry. Sometimes vestments are offered. If he is going to travel in his ministry, you can even offer a gas card to defray those expenses. Use your imagination. Any gift you give will be from the heart and I am sure will be appreciated.

 

[Titus]

I am attending a friend’s ordination in December, and am very excited as it will be a new experience for me.What is an appropriate gift for my friend?He is part of a religious order.

Depends on price- perhaps a nice chasuble if you can afford it, but obviously thats a lot of $$$. Or what about asking your friend? Priests have many needs for their ministry, which we aren’t aware of…