May 31, 3 pm
Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacon David Rankin
St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish
Deacon David Rankin warmly invites all to his ordination to the priesthood by Bishop Wayne Joseph Kirkpatrick on the Feast of the Visitation. There will be a light reception to follow at St. Ninian Place.
All are also invited to his First Mass at 4pm on Saturday, June 1 at 4:00pm (vigil for Corpus Christi) at his home parish, St. Mary’s in Mabou.
Watch the ordination livestream:
https://www.facebook.com/stninian.cathedral
Ordination to the priesthood is a milestone following a journey of discernment, application, and study.
What happens at an ordination?
Ordination is the sacred rite through which Holy Orders are conferred upon a bishop, priest, or deacon.
Ordination is held within a Mass, celebrated by the bishop. Those at Mass include the candidate for ordination, family and friends, priests of the diocese and other religious and lay leaders, all affirming the worthiness of the candidate and support for his vocation.
The Rites of Ordination take place following the Liturgy of the Word. After the Gospel reading. The candidate is called forward, presented for ordination, and responds to a series of questions by the bishop affirming his commitment to the priesthood. The candidate then lies prostrate on the floor during the Litany of Saints. This is followed by the laying on of hands by the bishop and priests on the candidate’s head, an ancient Biblical ritual asking the Holy Spirit to empower the candidate in his vocation. The bishop offers the prayer of consecration. The candidate is now a priest. He is vested in the Mass garments and annointed on the hands with sacred oil to prepare him for offering the sacrifice of the Mass. He is presented with the gifts of bread and wine by the bishop, who offers him a greeting of peace and he is welcomed by the other priests into the Sacred Priesthood. Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
What is the journey to become a priest?
Priesthood is a vocation, a response to a call to serve.
Discernment is the process through which we can hear, understand, and embrace God’s call for us.
The path to priesthood then includes several years of academic study, often an undergraduate degree followed by four years in a seminary. Academics are supported by spiritual advising, community service, and invitation to solitary prayer and contemplation.
Our diocese offers services, programs, and referrals to help discern or follow God’s call.
To learn more:
Or contact our Director of Vocations:
Fr. Fabian Ihunegbo
Pastor, Holy Family Parish, Sydney Mines
ph (902) 736-8788
fabromayor@yahoo.com
