Ordinations to the diaconate and to the priesthood are momentous occasions in the life of the Church. They show forth the power of God at work in our midst, make visible before us God's call of his chosen ones and witness to the courageous commitment of those who are being entrusted with the sacred ministry.

Ordination of Craig Cruikshank to the Diaconate

On May 25th, 2008, seminarian Craig Cruikshank was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate in St. Mary’s Parish in Lindsay. His ordination is a momentous occasion for all the people of the diocese, as one of their own has been consecrated to serve them as Deacon and eventually a priest. Craig, a 27 year-old native of Lindsay, has been studying for the priesthood at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto.

The Transitional Diaconate is conferred on those who are studying for the ministerial priesthood after their fourth year of theological study. It prepares the person for later priestly ordination and ministry. Through this sacrament, the Transitional Deacon performs such tasks as proclaiming the Gospel at Mass, ministering to the sick and elderly, visiting the imprisoned, administering Holy Communion, and preaching homilies. Like Baptism and Confirmation, the sacrament of Holy Orders leaves a permanent mark on the candidate, meaning that the sacrament cannot be repeated or undone.

The ordination occurred on the feast of Corpus Christi. Bishop Nicola De Angelis celebrated the Mass and administered Holy Orders to Craig. Also, Craig’s Diaconate classmates from the seminary also served during the Mass along with two concelebrating priests from St. Augustine’s. The altar servers consisted of the eight other seminarians who are studying for the Peterborough Diocese.

The Rite of Ordination began with the presentation of the candidate (Craig). After the Notary (who was Fr. Norbert) proclaimed that the candidate was worthy to receive Orders, everyone in the congregation voiced their approval by applause. The ceremony continued after the homily. While the Bishop was seated before the altar along with Deacon Mike Roy, he asked Craig a series of questions in which Craig made his promises of ministerial service. His promises include: celibacy, a state where the candidate declares that only God alone can fill his deepest needs and desires and is a symbol of commitment; and obedience, where the candidate places his will in the hands of the Bishop and his successors as a reflection of placing his trust in God’s will. Also, the candidate promises to pray daily the Divine Office (known also as The Liturgy of the Hours) for the church and the people of God.

These set of promises were followed by the Litany of the Saints. Here, the congregation and all those present kneel and ask for the saints’ intercession for God’s guidance and assistance. During the Litany, the candidate for Orders lays prostate (face down) before the altar. This position is a sign of the powerlessness and unworthiness we all have of human beings without God.

After the Litany, the sacrament is conferred by the laying on of hands by the Bishop. Putting his hands on the candidate’s head, the candidate is consecrated to a life of service and receives the spiritual seal of Holy Orders. It is here that the person becomes a Deacon and receives his new mission of the Diaconate. After this, he is presented with the Book of the Gospels, reminding the Deacon of his mission to preach and practice the Gospel. He then exchanges a sign of peace with the Bishop.

At the reception after the Mass, Craig thanked everyone for all their encouragement and prayers during his life journey. Fr. Brian McColl, pastor of St. Mary’s, presented him with a gift on behalf of Craig’s home parish.

From the VEYO team here, we wish you congratulations on your ordination, Deacon Craig! We will be keeping you in our prayers as you make your journey towards God.

God bless!