Ordination to the Priesthood 2005

On Saturday, June 11, 2005, we gather to celebrate the ordination to the priesthood of Deacon Ed White. Newly-ordained Bishops Eusebio Elizondo and Joseph Tyson (ordained in the Cathedral on Monday, June 6) join Archbishop Brunett in the crowded vestibule as the Mass is about to begin.

After the liturgy of the word and the homily, the candidate for ordination prostrates himself on the altar while the entire assembly kneels. The litany of saints is sung, invoking the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints for the man to be ordained. The litany concludes with a prayer offered by the Archbishop: "Hear us, Lord our God, and pour out upon this servant of yours the blessing of the Holy Spirit and the grace and power of the priesthood. In your sight we offer this man for ordination: support him with your unfailing love."

The heart of the ordination rite is the laying on of hands. Archbishop Brunett lays hands on the candidate in silence. Each of the priests present proceeds to lay hands on him in turn.

The Prayer of Consecration speaks of the office of the priesthood in the Old Testament and evokes Moses and Aaron. "Lord, grant also to us such fellow workers, for we are weak and our need is greater. Almighty Father, grant to this servant of yours the dignity of the priesthood."

The newly ordained priest is invested with the stole and chasuble. His hands are anointed with sacred chrism. He then receives the gifts of bread and wine from the Archbishop, who says: "Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate: model your life on the mystery of the Lord's cross."

The newly ordained Father Ed White (far right) joins Archbishop Brunett and Bishops Elizondo and Tyson on the altar for the solemn blessing at the conclusion of Mass.

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