THE ENTHRONEMENT OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

FOR RECTORIES

The Enthronement liturgy for priests living together in a rectory has several meanings:

♥It is a re-affirmation of the rights of Christ the King over His priests, made in a spirit of reparation for the dethronement of Christ in private and public life, and likewise for any denials of these rights by priests, by their failure to preach and uphold the laws and teachings of Christ and HisChurch.

♥It is a renewal of our total commitment to Jesus Christ, the High Priest, made on the day of our ordination.

♥The Enthronement-Consecration is a COVENANT with the Heart of Jesus, by which we pledge ourselves to a greater fidelity to our duties as priests, in a spirit of love, recognizing that “we are to love because He loved us first.” (1 Jn. 4:19)

♥Finally, the Enthronement made by a priest-family, is a pledge and means of unity and fraternal charity, for it makes Christ present as He Himself told us, “Where two or three are gathered for my sake, there I am in the midst of them.” St. Johntells us, “God is love and anyone who lives in love, lives in God, and God in him.” (1 Jn 4:16)

The Enthronement-Covenant may take place within the context of the Mass, after the homily, celebrated in the rectory using the Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Members of the Parish Council (or heads of parish societies) and parish religious and laity may be invited.  It is also suggested to invite priests from neighboring parishes – this is an excellent means to bring awareness to the Enthronement.

The common room, the dining room, or a rectory meeting room may be possible sites for the ceremony.

A shrine or altar area should be prepared, such as a table or mantel, where the image will be enthroned.  Place the image on a side table in another part of the room, with Holy Water, where it will be blessed and carried in procession to the place of honor.

Copies of the Enthronement Ceremony should be available for all.  A priest should act as Master of Ceremony.