Admission To Candidacy

 

1. The rite of admission to candidacy for ordination as deacons and priests is celebrated when there is clear evidence that the aspirants’ properly formed intention has sufficiently matured.

2. The aspirants must make a public expression of the intention to receive holy orders. The bishop, in turn, or the major superior of a clerical religious institute, gives the public acceptance of this intention.

3. The rite of admission may be celebrated on any day, but preferably on the greater feast days, in a church or other suitable place and either within Mass or at a celebration of the word of God.

 

 — From the Rite for Admission to Candidacy
for Ordination as Deacons and Priests

 

Rite of Candidacy

 

Celebration of Admission

After the homily, the bishop concludes with these or similar words:

Dear brethren in Christ, our brothers stand here today in the presence of the Church, recommended to us and to you for admission among the candidates for holy orders...

 

Calling of the Candidates

The candidates are called by name and go before the bishop.

 

Examination

Bishop: My sons, the pastors and teachers in charge of your formation, and others who know you, have given a favorable account of you, ad we have full confidence in their testimony.

In response to the Lord’s call are you resolved to complete your preparation so that in due time you will be ready to be ordained for the ministry of the Church?

 

Candidates: I am.

 

Bishop: Are you resolved to prepare yourselves in mind and spirit to give faithful service to Christ the Lord and his body, the Church?

 

Candidates: I am.

 

Acceptance of Candidates

 

Bishop: The Church receives your declaration with joy. May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.

 

All: Amen.