The first reading today gives us the account of the ordination of the first Deacons of the Church. I would like to share with you some of the prayers the Bishop says at the ordination of Deacons in our time.

Collect

God, who have taught the ministers of your Church to seek not to be served but to serve their brothers and sisters, grant, we pray, that these your servants, whom you graciously choose today for the office of Deacon, may be effective in action, gentle in ministry, and constant in prayer.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Prayer over the Offerings Holy Father, whose Son chose to wash the disciples’ feet and so set us an example, accept, we pray, the oblations of our service, and grant that, offering ourselves as a spiritual sacrifice, we may be filled with a spirit of humility and zeal. Through Christ our Lord.

Preface (excerpt)

For Christ not only adorns with a royal priesthood the people he has made his own, but with a brother’s kindness he also chooses men to become sharers in his sacred ministry through the laying on of hands. He chooses them to lead your holy people in charity, to nourish them with the word and strengthen them with the Sacraments. As they give up their lives for you and for the salvation of their brothers and sisters, they strive to be conformed to the image of Christ himself and offer you a constant witness of faith and love.

Solemn Blessing at the End of Mass

May God, who has called you to the service of others in his Church, give you great zeal for all, especially the afflicted and the poor. R. Amen. May he, who has entrusted you with preaching the Gospel of Christ, help you, as you live according to his word, to be its sincere and fervent witness. R. Amen.

May he, who has appointed you a steward of his mysteries, make you an imitator of his Son, Jesus Christ, and a minister of unity and peace in the world. R. Amen.

On behalf of my deacon brothers Oscar Cervantes, Juan Carlos Palomar, Jim Kottinger, and myself, I ask for your prayers that the Lord will keep us always filled with a spirit of humility and zeal. Let us also pray for vocations to the Permanent Diaconate, the Priesthood and Religious Life of men and women.

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