Ceremony For The Installation of Officers Introductory Rites
Ceremony For The Installation of Officers Introductory Rites
Ceremony For The Installation of Officers Introductory Rites
Introductory Rites
Presider: O God, you have created us in love and saved us in mercy; through our
profession you have called us into the land of Carmel to reap the fruits thereof and
to become a sign of Christ’s love for His people.
Shower your blessing on this community gathered here in your name and
under the patronage of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Enable us, joined by this
dedication to Carmel and by the inspiration of our Holy Mother St. Teresa of Jesus
and our Holy Father St. John of the Cross, to support one another in fervor of spirit
and devotion to prayer. In all we say and do, make us witnesses to Jesus Christ
and servants of our brothers and sisters. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen
The Presider invites the outgoing officers to step forward. Once they have
assembled, he addresses the community in these or similar words:
You have faithfully served the__________ community during your terms of office,
leading the members to an increased love of Jesus Christ through your example
patterned after that of Mary, His Mother. In gratitude for your diligent efforts on
our behalf, we ask the Lord’s blessing on each of you. (They return to their seats.)
1
Acceptance of Office by the New Officers
The Presider then invites the newly elected officers to come forward for their
installation. Once they are assembled, the new President steps forward and the
Presider addresses the President in these or similar words:
2
The Presider then addresses the three Councilors:
____________________, ____________________, and ____________________,
you have been elected by the members of the community to serve as its councilors.
They place their confidence in you and your ability to promote the ideals of the
Discalced Carmelite Seculars. With the President and the Director of Formation,
you are the immediate authority of the community. Your joint decisions, within
the limits of the Constitutions and Statutes, are to be obeyed by virtue of the
promise.
Will you accept these responsibilities?
The newly elected Councilors reply, each in turn:
R. Yes, with the help of God, I will accept the duties of my office as
Councilor of the community.
The Presider then addresses the newly appointed Secretary for the Council:
____________________, you have been appointed Secretary for the Council.
You are to record the minutes of the Council meetings, respecting the
confidentiality of the proceedings. You are to keep the Community register and
other records at all times. This includes having charge of the record books of the
elections, and of admissions to the Secular Order, to the Promise and the Vows.
You are to keep these up to date, and to present them to the Council and to the
community at appropriate times.
The Presider then addresses the newly appointed Secretary for the Community:
____________________, you have been appointed Secretary for the Community.
You are to record the minutes of the community meetings, and additional duties as
needed.
3
The Presider then addresses the newly appointed Treasurer:
____________________, you have been appointed Treasurer of the community. It
is your duty to have charge of, and administer the funds collected under the
direction of the Council and to keep accurate financial records. This is a serious
responsibility that requires discretion and respect for the confidentiality of the
information you collect.
Will you accept these responsibilities?
Almighty God, we give you thanks for the many and varied ways in which you
build up your Church and our Discalced Carmelite Order. Bless these officers of
our __________ community. Grant that they may be of service to our Order and
bring honor and glory to your name. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen.