The Bishop's Note is a short weekly message from Bishop Eric Menees where he speaks about an area of Christian belief or practice in furtherance of our mission statement that "we will call and equip laity and clergy to bring people to, and disciple them in, a saving relationship with Jesus Christ." The Bishop's Note is currently going through the 2019 ACNA Book of Common Prayer. 

Ordination of a Priest – Conclusion of the Service

Today we draw to the close of the Rite for making a priest. Last week we looked at the Vesting of the New Priest which concluded with the passing of the Peace. The Offertory follows with the collection of offerings going to support the ministry of the new priest either with the purchase of vestments or a pastoral care fund that he can access to assist the congregation he will be serving. Immediately following the offertory, we have the Celebration of Holy Eucharist. The new priest concelebrates with the Bishop and assists with the distribution of communion.
 
Following the post communion prayer, the new priest leads the following collect. 
When the Communion is finished, after the Post Communion Prayer, the new Priest prays the following Collect
Go before us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, through your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Note that this is the first time that the priest prays in the name of the people gathered. He will do this often in his ministry but especially during the celebration of Holy Eucharist where he stands before the people of God and before the Lord and offers up prayers on their behalf.

The service concludes with the Bishop offering the closing blessing prior to the closing hymn and dismissal.

The Bishop then blesses the People saying
Our help is in the Name of the Lord;
People The maker of heaven and earth.
Bishop Blessed be the Name of the Lord;
People From this time forth for evermore.
Bishop The blessing, mercy, and grace of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen.
​I pray you all a blessed celebration of All Saints & All Souls which will be the topic of next week’s Bishop’s Note.
 
May the Lord bless you!
 
Bp. Eric Menees
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