Institution of Reader:
When appropriate, as the Bishop and aspirant determine in consultation with representatives of the People of God and those involved in the formation of the aspirant, the Bishop will confer the office of Reader. This conferment, as that of Acolyte, is not an ordination, but an institution. The Reader receives an appointment from the Bishop to read the word of God, except the Gospel, in liturgical assemblies. The Reader presents the intentions for the General Intercessions, directs the singing and the participation of the People of God, instructs the People of God for worthy reception of the sacraments. The Reader, in sum, acquires a warm and living love and knowledge of Scripture that will evidence in a more compassionate presence to others.
Institution of Acolyte:
When appropriate, as the Bishop and aspirant determine in consultation with the People of God and those involved in the formation of the aspirant, the Bishop will confer the office of Acolyte. The acolyte aids the deacon and ministers to the priest. The Acolyte’s duty is to attend to the service of the altar, assisting the deacon and priest as appropriate. The Acolyte may distribute Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister when a deacon or priest is unavailable or so requests. The Priest may also entrust the Acolyte to expose the Blessed Sacrament for adoration, without blessing the People of God. The office of Acolyte then is primarily liturgical.
Advancement to Candidacy:
When appropriate, as the Bishop and aspirant determine in consultation with the People of God and those involved in the formation of the aspirant, the Bishop will admit the Acolyte to candidacy for ordination as a Deacon and/or Priest. The aspirant writes out in one’s own hand a free petition. The Bishop, in turn, writes a written acceptance of the aspirant to candidacy. The aspirant, now candidate for the Sacrament of Holy Orders, now cares for one’s vocation in a special way and fosters it.
Order of Deacon:
When appropriate, as the Bishop and Candidate determine in consultation with the People of God and those involved in the formation of the Candidate, the Bishop will ordain the Candidate to the Diaconate. “At a lower level of the hierarchy are deacons, upon whom hands are imposed ‘not for the priesthood, but for ministry.’ For, strengthened by sacramental grace, in communion with the bishop and presbyterium they serve the people of God in the diaconia of the liturgy, of the word, and of charity.” (AAS 57 1965 in Apostolic Letter Issued Motu Proprio “Laying down Certain Norms Regarding the Holy Order of Deacons”, Paul VI.) In addition, the Deacon takes care of Readers and Acolytes. In communion with and authorized by the Bishop, the Deacon takes an active role in the Sacramental life of the Church, especially in administering the Sacrament of Baptism and being a witness of the Church in the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Order of Priest:
When appropriate, as the Bishop and Candidate determine in consultation with the People of God and those involved in the formation of the Candidate, the Bishop will ordain the Deacon to the Presbyterate. As a priest, in communion with and authorized by the Bishop, the individual serves as a steward of the Catholic tradition and a conduit of God’s grace through amongst others, the celebration of The Eucharist, administering the Sacrament of Reconciliation, anointing in the Sacrament of Healing. The priest lives out the beatitudes being Present to others suffering: those who are poor rather than rich in spirit, those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, those who are long-suffering (meek), those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, and those who are persecuted for doing what they hold to be God’s Will as well as those who are merciful, those who are clean of heart, and those who are peacemakers. In short, the Priest becomes ever more Present to the Children of God, His People, the Human Family.