Archdiocese of New York: October 2009 Archives

Last night the 64th annual Alfred E. Smith Foundation dinner was held at NY's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. It is a fundraising dinner (with the pretty people in attendance). Monies donated at this dinner support a variety of NY charities concerning medical care for the poor, children and under served. The beneficiaries are all very worthy works of charity (mercy).

Tonight, in the context of the Sacrifice of the Mass, Bishop Robert A. Brucato, auxiliary of bishop New York, received the Candidacy for Holy Orders of 18 men. This is an official step in declaring one's intention to be ordained with the approval of the bishop or major religious superior. The breakdown of candidates is as follows:

9 for the Archdiocese of New York and 1 for the Diocese of Bridgeport

7 for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and 1 for the Idente Missionaries of Christ Crucified.

Pray for all of us preparing for priesthood.

If you are interested, the rite follows.

The Rite of Admission to Candidacy follows the homily.

Calling of the Candidates

Examination

My sons, the pastors and teachers in charge of your formation, and others who know you, have given a favorable account of you, and we have full confidence in their testimony.

The bishop asks two questions for the candidates:

In response to the Lord's call are you resolved to complete your preparation so that in due time you will be ready to be ordained for the ministry of the Church? The candidates answer: I am.

The bishop:

Are you resolved to prepare yourselves in mind and spirit to give faithful service to Christ the Lord and his body, the Church?  The candidates: I am.

Acceptance of the Candidates

The Church receives your declaration with joy. May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment. All: Amen.

Invitation to Prayer

Brothers and sisters, let us ask our God and Lord to pour out his grace and blessing on these servants of his who desire to give their lives to the ministry of the Church.

Intercessions

Concluding Prayer

Lord, hear our prayers for your sons who wish to dedicate themselves to your service and the service of your people in the sacred ministry.

Bless them + in your fatherly love, that they may persevere in their vocation, and through their loving fidelity to Christ the Priest be worthy to carry out the Church's apostolic mission. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The life we lead is based on the influences we have. For some, like Father George Rutler, John Newman and John Vianney are two such influences. George Rutler, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and pastor of the Church of Our Saviour (NYC) gave the Terrence Cardinal Cooke Theology Lecture tonight at Saint Joseph's Seminary. Himself a convert, author, TV personality tried to dispel the florid presentations of the saint which detach reality from the soul. John Vianney (8 May 1786 - 4 August 1859) knew himself well as a farm boy who desired to serve the Lord as a priest in love. What ought to be resisted when thinking about Vianney is sugar coating his ministry and manner of living. His was not a life akin to pouring molasses on roast beef. The saint, in Catholic theology and as reminded by Rutler, is a person who shows us that living the gospel is possible, that conversion is possible, that real, self-giving love is possible because the saint shows us Christ. And since Christianity is not speculation but fact, the fact of the saint is a testament to the reality of Christ today.

Twenty-six years ago today God called Terrence James Cardinal Cooke, 62, to Himself. Under the motto of "Thy Will be Done" and at the age of 47, he was nominated archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Spellman. The Cardinal lived his life in dedication to the Lord, often quiet and formal. His cause for canonization was introduced in 1992 and named a Servant of God by Pope John Paul II.

Almighty and eternal Father, we thank you for the exemplary life and gentle kindness of your son and bishop, Terence Cooke. If it be your gracious will, grant that the virtues of your servant may be recognized and provide a lasting example for your people. We pray through Our Lord Jesus Christ your son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.