Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Installation of new Pastor at Church of Our Lady

Year for Priests

Icon of Christ the High Priest



On August 29th. I installed Fr. Carlos Jiminez as pastor of Church of Our Lady in Moose Jaw. Fr. Carlos and I are getting a few last minute details finalized.

Several priests added their presence and support by coming to concelebrate this Mass. Among whom are Fr. Danilo Rafael, Director of Priest Personnell, Fr. Brian Meredith, Rector of the Cathedral and with whom Fr. Carlos worked during his first year in the Archdiocese; and Fr. Raymon Claro of St. Augustine's Parish in Wilcox.



One of the places which underly the pastor's ministry is the Renciliation Room or Confessional:
Lector: Listen to the words of our Lord according to Saint John: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Bishop: It is the duty of the Pastor to bring to his people the healing power and mercy of Our Lord Jesus Christ, reconciling them to God and one another. When you do this, remember your own weakness.

Pastor: I will do so, with the help of God.


And the Presider's Chair:
Lector: Listen to the words of St. Paul in the second letter to Timothy: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable.”

Bishop: It is the duty of the Pastor to preside over the community of faith. When you do this, lead the People of God in the prayer of the Church with diligence and devotion.

Pastor: I will do so, with the help of God.


The Rite of Installation of the Pastor concludes with the Pastor making a profession of faith. This he does by reciting the Nicene Creed and the people join with him. Following that he swears an oath of Fidelity and both he and I sign this document.

We then gathered in the parish hall for a lunch, and of course some special cake. This is a happy occasion for the priest and for his parishioners.
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