What Happens During a Priesthood Ordination?

The following has been edited and used with permission from Arkansas Catholic. To learn more, read the Priesthood FAQ, Steps to Priesthood, Priests and Brothers or contact Father Jeff Hebert, in the Vocations and Seminarians Office, at (501) 664-0340.

During the rite of ordination, several actions are taken during the Mass.

Election of Candidate

The deacon candidate (soon-to-be-priest) is called forth and presented by the diocese's vocations director, who is questioned by the bishop about the candidate's worthiness. Once satisfied, the bishop then chooses (elects) him for ordination, and the congregation signifies its agreement with applause.

Promise of Elect

The candidate is now known as elect. He makes a promise of respect and obedience to the bishop and his successors. The promise of celibacy was made during his diaconate ordination the previous year.

Litany of Saints

The elect prostrates himself before the altar in an act of surrender while the congregation sings the Litany of Saints.

Laying on of Hands

The bishop will lay his hands on the elect and then each priest in attendance will do the same.

Prayer of Ordination

The bishop prays over the elect, signifying the conferral of the Holy Spirit through whose power the man is ordained. Along with the laying on of hands, this is the essential act of ordination.

Investiture with Stole and Chasuble

The elect is now a priest and is clothed with liturgical vestments worn by a priest. One or two priests are asked to assist the newly ordained with this task.

Anointing of Hands

The new priest kneels before the bishop who anoints his hands with sacred chrism. This holy oil was blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass at the beginning of Holy Week.

Handing over Bread and Wine

Family members present the paten and chalice to the bishop. The bishop then places them in the hands of the new priest.

Sign of Peace

The bishop and all priests present offer a sign of peace — often a warm embrace — to the new priest.