This summer, many parishes of the Archdiocese are installing a new pastor. This, obviously, is a major event in the life of parish community – it should be marked with ritual and celebration! The Book of Blessings gives the Order for the Installation of a Pastor; it can be found in Appendix I.

The Introduction to the Rite gives a few notes to assist in the planning of the celebration:

* The Mass of the Day is used; there are no special readings or Mass texts given for the installation of a pastor

* When the bishop is present he is the principle celebrant and the pastor being installed concelebrates (along with any other priests present, e.g., the Dean, priests of neighboring parishes, etc.).

* When the bishop is present the Rite of Installation begins after the proclamation of the Gospel and the bishop’s homily is part of it.

* If the Bishop is not present then the second option is used: Order of Installation within Mass when a Priest Presides.

* When the pastor is being installed by another priest (e.g., the dean), the Rite of Installation takes place at the beginning of the Mass and the pastor is the principle celebrant for the remainder of the liturgy.

* The required oaths are not signed as part of the Mass but rather are signed after.

Note: Although the Rite may be celebrated outside of Mass (e.g., in a Liturgy of the Word, or during Morning or Evening Prayer), it seems best that it take place at a Sunday Mass, when the most number of parishioners are able to participate.

The Order of Installation, as noted, begins after the proclamation of the Gospel. The pastor being installed is literally presented to the parish by the bishop: “I now commend Father N. to you as your new pastor” (#2022).

The people show their approval and support of the pastor, most often with applause. Of course, another expression could be used. For example the liturgical assembly could sing a short acclamation (“Blessed be God,” or “Praise and thanks to you, Lord,” etc.). All are then seated for the homily by the bishop.

Following the homily, the pastor being installed once more stands before the bishop who presents to the pastor the members of the parish pastoral staff. The pastor is encouraged to “share this ministry [i.e., the pastoral care of the people of the parish] in a spirit of mutual trust, common prayer and genuine concern” (#2026).

The assembly might repeat the musical acclamation if one was used after the pastor was presented to the parish.

The bishop then presents the parish council to the pastor, reminding the pastor that the council “is the voice of your people and will assist and counsel you as you minister in this parish” (#2027). Again, this might be followed by the sung acclamation as a way of unifying these various parts of the Rite.

In a rather powerful demonstration of his role as shepherd, teacher and leader, the pastor then leads the whole liturgical assembly in professing the faith. Afterward, the pastor alone, addressing the bishop, professes an additional oath of fidelity.

The General Intercessions follow, which should include an intercession for the new pastor, the pastoral leadership and indeed the whole parish at this special time in its life. The Mass continues in the usual way.

The pastor may address the parish following the prayer after Communion (#2019). This calls for careful preparation. Brief, direct, sincere comments are best suited here.

The installation of a new pastor can be a wonderful celebration in the life of a parish. It can be a powerful way to mark a new and exciting chapter in the life and growth of a parish community of faith. With careful planning and preparation this celebration can be a profound expression of the ministry and service to which we are all called, and particularly that of a new parish pastor.

If the Office of Divine Worship can be of any assistance in the planning and preparation of the Rite of Installation, please do not hesitate to contact us.