Leofric Missal (10th–11th-cent. MS, used by Leofric, bp of Exeter 1050–72)

The Ordination of a Doorkeeper

¶ When a doorkeeper is ordained, after he has been instructed by the archdeacon how he ought to behave in the house of God, at the suggestion of the archdeacon the bishop shall deliver to him the keys from the altar, saying:

So act as one who shall render account to God for the things that are locked up with these keys.

¶ And the archdeacon shall deliver to him the door of the church.

¶ The preface of a doorkeeper.

Let us humbly pray God the Father Almighty that he would vouchsafe to bless this (these) his servant(s) N., whom he hath vouchsafed to choose into the office of doorkeeper; that he may have most faithful care by day and by night, for the marking of the hours and for calling upon the Name of the Lord. Through [our Lord].

¶ The blessing of the same.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, vouchsafe to bless this (these) thy servant(s), doorkeeper(s), that among the doorkeepers of the church he may render obedient service, and among thine elect may be found worthy to have a share in the reward. Through [our Lord].

The Ordination of a Reader

¶ When a reader is ordained, the bishop shall speak concerning him to the people, declaring his faith, his life and his ability. After this, in the sight of the people, he shall deliver to him the book from which he is to read, saying:

Receive, and be thou a reader of the word of God; if thou fulfil thine office faithfully, thou shalt have part with them that have ministered the word of God.

¶ The preface of a reader.

Thy (your) brethren choose thee (you) to be reader(s) in the house of thy (your) God; acknowledge thine (your) office, that thou mayest fulfil it. For God is able to increase grace unto thee (you). Through [our Lord].

¶ The blessing of the same.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, vouchsafe to bless this (these) thy servant(s) N. in the office of reader; that, distinguished and adorned by diligence in reading [...] with spiritual devotion, by the grace of his tongue the Church may resound. Through our Lord.

[...]

The Ordination of an Exorcist

¶ When an exorcist is ordained, he shall receive from the hand of the bishop the little book in which the exorcisms are written, the bishop saying to him:

Receive, and commit to memory, and have thou power to lay thy hand upon the possessed, whether baptized or catechumen.

¶ The preface of an exorcist.

Let us humbly beseech God the Father Almighty that he would vouchsafe to bless this (these) his servant(s) N. in the office of exorcist; that he (they) may be spiritual commander(s) for casting out devils from bodies possessed, with all their manifold wickedness. Through [our Lord].

¶ The blessing of the same.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, vouchsafe to bless this (these) thy servant(s) N. in the office of exorcist; that thou wouldest vouchsafe to choose him (them) through the laying on of hands and the office of the mouth; and that he (they) may have command for restraining unclean spirits, and may be approved physician(s) of the Church, strengthened by the grace and power of healing. Through the same [our Lord].

The Ordination of an Acolyte

¶ When an acolyte is ordained, he shall first be taught by the bishop how he ought to behave in his office; but from the archdeacon he shall receive a candlestick with a taper, that he may know that he is appointed to light the lamps of the church. He shall receive also an empty cruet, for supplying wine for the eucharist of the Body of Christ.

¶ The preface of an acolyte.

Almighty and everlasting God, fountain of light and source of goodness, who by Jesus Christ thy Son, the true light, hast enlightened the world, and hast redeemed it by the mystery of his passion: vouchsafe to bless this (these) thy servant(s) N., whom we consecrate to the office of acolyte, beseeching thy mercy that thou wouldest enlighten his (their) mind and understanding with knowledge, and water him (them) with the dew of thy loving-kindness; that he (they) may so fulfil the ministry received, by thy help, that he (they) may be found worthy to attain unto an everlasting reward. Through the same [our Lord].

¶ The blessing of an acolyte.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, who by Jesus Christ thy Son didst send into this world the light of brightness, and on the cross of his passion, triumphing, didst vouchsafe to pour forth blood and water from his side for mankind, and by thine apostles didst send into this world the light of spiritual grace: so vouchsafe to bless this (these) thy servant(s) N. in the office of acolyte, that for the kindling of the brightness of thy Church, and for the supplying of wine and water for the making of the [mystery] of thy Blood, in offering the eucharist, he (they) may minister at thy holy altars. Kindle, O Lord, his (their) mind and heart to the heavenly [desire] of thy love, and confirm him (them) by the power of the grace of thy mercy. Through [our Lord].

The Ordination of a Subdeacon

[...]

¶ When a subdeacon is ordained, because he does not receive the laying on of hands, he shall receive from the hand of the bishop an empty paten and an empty chalice; from the hand of the archdeacon he shall receive a cruet with water, a hand-basin and a towel. And [the bishop] shall say:

See whose ministry is delivered to thee; and therefore, if hitherto thou hast been slow to come to church, from henceforth thou must be diligent; if hitherto drowsy, henceforth watchful; if hitherto drunken, henceforth sober; if hitherto unseemly, henceforth careful. The oblations that come upon the altar are called the shewbread. Of these oblations so much only ought to be placed upon the altar as may suffice for the people, lest anything remain to grow corrupt in the sanctuary. The cloths that are on the under-covering ought to be washed in one vessel, and the corporal cloths in another. Where the corporal cloths have been washed, no other linen ought to be washed in that place; and the water itself ought to be poured into the baptistery. Therefore I admonish thee: so show thyself that thou mayest be able to please God.

¶ And he shall deliver to him the chalice and paten.

The Blessing of a Subdeacon

¶ The preface of a subdeacon.

Let us pray God and our Lord that upon his servant(s) N., whom he hath vouchsafed to call to the office of subdeacon, he would pour forth his blessing and grace; that, serving faithfully in his sight, he (they) may obtain the rewards predestined for the saints; by the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with him liveth and reigneth God. Through [our Lord].

¶ The blessing of the same.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, vouchsafe to bless this (these) thy servant(s), whom thou hast vouchsafed to choose to the office of subdeacon; that thou mayest set him (them) in thy holy sanctuary, diligent and careful, in the heavenly host; and that he (they) may faithfully minister at thy holy altars; and may the spirit of wisdom and understanding rest upon him (them), the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and godliness. Fill him (them) with the spirit of thy fear, and strengthen him in the divine ministry; that, made obedient and ready at thy word, he (they) may obtain thy grace. Through [our Lord].

Prayers for Ordaining a Deacon

[...]

¶ A prayer.

Let us pray, dearly beloved, God the Father Almighty, that upon this (these) his servant(s), whom he vouchsafeth to take into holy order, he would mercifully pour forth the grace of his blessing, and grant him (them) the gift of consecration, whereby he may bring him (them) to everlasting rewards; by the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with him liveth and reigneth God. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another.

Hear, O Lord, our prayers, and send forth upon this (these) thy servant(s) the spirit of thy blessing; that, enriched with the heavenly gift, he may be able to obtain [thy] grace of majesty, and to give to others an example of good living. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another.

O God, the magnificent bestower of sacred dignities: we beseech thee that thou wouldest grant this (these) thy servant(s), whom thou vouchsafest to call to the office of the levites, sufficiently to fulfil the ministry of the holy altar; and, abounding in all the gifts of grace, make him (them) both to gain confidence in thy majesty and to give to others an example of perfect devotion. Through [our Lord].

The Consecration of a Deacon

Be present, we beseech thee, Almighty God, giver of good things, distributor of orders and disposer of offices; who, abiding in thyself, makest all things new, and ordering all things by thy Word, Power and Wisdom, Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, by thine everlasting providence dost prepare them, and dispensest what is fitting for each several time; whose body, thy Church, distinguished by a variety of heavenly graces and by the distinction of its members, thou grantest, by a wonderful law, to grow and spread in the unity of the whole frame for the increase of thy temple; appointing the service of the sacred office to minister to thy Name by three degrees of ministers; the sons of Levi having been chosen from the beginning, who, abiding in faithful watches in the mystical works of thy house, should possess by an everlasting lot the inheritance of eternal blessing. Upon this (these) thy servant(s) also, we beseech thee, [...] look graciously, whom we humbly dedicate to the office of deacon, to serve thy sanctuaries. And we indeed, as men ignorant of the divine mind and of the highest reason, judge of his (their) life as far as we can; but from thee, O Lord, the things that are unknown to us do not pass away; secret things deceive thee not; thou art the knower of secrets, thou art the searcher of hearts. Thou art able to examine his (their) life by heavenly judgement, whereby thou ever prevailest both to cleanse what has been committed and to grant what is to be done. Send forth upon him (them), O Lord, we beseech thee, the Holy Spirit, whereby he (they) may be strengthened by the gift of thy sevenfold grace for the faithful performing of the work of the ministry, after the likeness of those whom, at the beginning of the newborn Church, thine apostles added to themselves as helpers and companions. Let the pattern of every virtue abound in him (them): modest authority, constant chastity, the purity of innocence, and the spiritual keeping of discipline. Let thy commandments shine forth in his (their) manners, and by the example of his (their) chastity let the people win a holy imitation; and, bearing the good testimony of conscience, may he (they) continue firm and steadfast in Christ, and by worthy advancement be found worthy, through thy grace, to receive higher things from the lower degree. Through [our] Lord.

The Mass at the Ordination of a Priest or Deacon

¶ The mass at the ordination of a priest or deacon.

Hear, O Lord, the prayers of thy suppliants, and keep with perpetual defence them that serve thee with devoted heart; that, hindered by no troubles, they may ever render free service to thine offices. Through [our Lord].

¶ Over the oblations.

Look graciously, we beseech thee, O Lord, upon the sacrifices of us all; that both what has been done by the service entrusted to us, and the vows of the faithful people, may be rather confirmed by thy propitiation. Through [our Lord].

¶ Preface.

It is very meet [right, and our bounden duty], everlasting God, humbly beseeching thee that thou wouldest perfect the service, well pleasing to thee, both of us and of him whom, by the bounty of thy gift, we set in thy sacred household as bishop, or priest, or deacon. Through Christ.

¶ At the breaking [of the bread].

This oblation therefore, which we offer to thee, O Lord, for thy servant N., whom thou hast vouchsafed to advance to the degree of bishop, or of priest, or of deacon, we beseech thee, O Lord, graciously to accept; and what thou hast bestowed upon him by divine gift, do thou graciously keep in him as thine own. Through Christ.

¶ At the completion.

Grant us, we beseech thee, Almighty God, to receive the increase of good works, and make him whom thou dost advance in time more ready for the sacred mysteries.

¶ Over the people.

May the blessing humbly implored so order the whole body of thy Church, we beseech thee, O Lord, that the lower members may rejoice in the steadfastness of the higher, and the highest may be glad in the sincerity of those beneath. Through [our Lord].

Prayers for Ordaining a Priest

[...]

Let us pray, dearly beloved, God the Father Almighty, that upon this (these) his servant(s), whom he chooseth for the office of priest, he would multiply heavenly gifts; and that what he (they) receive(s) by his favour he (they) may fulfil by his help. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another.

Hear us, O God of our salvation, and upon this (these) [thy servant(s) pour forth the blessing of the] Holy Spirit and of priestly grace [...] whom we offer to be consecrated, mayest thou follow with the perpetual bounty of thy gift. Through [our Lord].

The Consecration of a Priest

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, author of all honours and distributor of all dignities, through whom all things prosper, through whom all things are made firm, the increase of rational nature being ever enlarged for the better by an order disposed with fitting reason. Whence also the priestly degrees and the offices of the levites, instituted with mystical sacraments, have grown; so that, when thou hadst set high priests over the governing of the peoples, thou didst choose for the fellowship and help of their work men of a following order and of the second dignity. So in the wilderness thou didst spread abroad the spirit of Moses into the minds of seventy wise men, using whom as helpers among the people he easily governed countless multitudes. So upon Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron, thou didst pour out the abundance of their father's fulness, that the ministry of priests might suffice for the saving sacrifices and the sacraments of a more frequent office. By this providence, O Lord, thou didst add to the apostles of thy Son teachers of the faith as companions, with whom they filled the whole world with second preachers. Wherefore, O Lord, we beseech thee, grant these helps to our infirmity also, who, the frailer we are, have so much the more need of them. Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty Father, to this thy servant the dignity of the priesthood; renew in his inward parts the spirit of holiness; may he hold the office of the second rank received from thee, O God, and by the example of his conversation commend the strictness of good manners. Let him be an honest fellow-worker of our order, and let the pattern of all righteousness shine forth in him, that, being about to render a good account of the stewardship committed to him, he may obtain the rewards of everlasting blessedness. Through [our] Lord.

The Anointing of the Priest's Hands

May these hands be consecrated by this anointing and our blessing, that whatsoever they bless may be blessed, and whatsoever they sanctify may be sanctified. Through [our Lord].

[...]

Further Prayers for the Deacon (misplaced in the manuscript)

¶ The editor notes that this collect and blessing belong to the office for ordaining a deacon.

Let our common desire continue, let our common prayer follow; that this man (these men), who by the prayer of the whole Church is (are) prepared for the ministry of a deacon, may shine forth in the levitical blessing [+] and, resplendent in spiritual conversation, may shine by the grace of sanctification. Through [our] Lord.

[...]

O Lord, holy [giver] of hope, faith, grace and progress, who, by the ministries of angels set everywhere in heaven and on earth, spreadest abroad the working of thy will through all the elements: vouchsafe to look with special favour upon this (these) thy servant(s) N. also; that, ready for thy service, he (they) may shine as pure minister(s) at thy holy altars, and, by the pardon of the former degree, may be found worthy of those whom thine apostles, with blessed Stephen leading them and by the authority of the Holy Spirit, chose to the number of seven; and, furnished with all the virtues [...] with which it behoveth him to serve thee, he (they) may prevail. Through [our] Lord.

¶ The blessing of stoles or chasubles.

O God, conqueror of invincible might, creator and sanctifier of all things, graciously attend to our prayers, and vouchsafe with thine own mouth to bless [+], sanctify and consecrate these stoles or chasubles, to be used by thy ministers for levitical and priestly glory; and grant that all who use them, being made fit for thy mysteries, consecrated or to be consecrated by us unworthy, and serving thee in them devoutly and lovingly, may be made acceptable to thee, both now and through endless ages of ages. Amen.

[...]

In the name of the Holy and undivided Trinity and of the one Godhead, receive the stole, which the Lord hath prepared for thee to receive through the service of our lowliness, and by our hands; whereby thou mayest know that the burden of the Lord thy God is laid upon thy neck, and that thou art bound to humility and to ministration; and whereby thy brethren may know that thou art ordained a minister of God; that thou, who art appointed in the ministry of a deacon, mayest shine in the order of the levitical blessing, and, resplendent in spiritual conversation, mayest shine forth by the grace of sanctification; and mayest continue firm and steadfast in Christ Jesus; so that what is signified by this stole thou mayest be able to present without spot in the day of strict judgement before the judgement-seat of the Lord, by his help, to whom be honour and glory.

Prayers at the Ordination of a Bishop

[...]

¶ A prayer at the election of a bishop.

Let us pray, brethren, that God and our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to enlighten us and our elect with the grace of the Holy Spirit; who liveth and reigneth. Amen.

¶ The admonition of the bishop.

Keep these things with careful mind and watchful zeal, and take care to make them known to those committed to thee; that with one mind and one mouth ye may together praise God for the benefits he showeth towards you; to whom be honour and glory for ever.

¶ A prayer after the profession.

Be mindful of thy promise, and of thy espousal to the Church, and of the love of the Lord thy God, on the day on which thou hast obtained this honour. Beware lest thou forget it.

The Ring and the Staff

¶ Here the ring is to be given.

Receive therefore the ring of discretion and honour, the sign of faith, [...] that thou mayest seal the things that are to be sealed, and bring forth the things that are to be opened; bind the things that are to be bound, and loose the things that are to be loosed; and open the gates of the heavenly kingdom to believers through the faith of baptism, and to the fallen but penitent through the ministry of reconciliation; and bring forth to all, out of the Lord's treasure, things new and old for eternal salvation; and counsel all, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be honour and glory, world without end.

¶ Here the staff is to be given.

Receive the staff, the sign of sacred government, that thou mayest strengthen the weak, confirm the wavering, correct the wicked, and direct the upright in the way of eternal salvation; and have thou power to raise up the worthy and to correct the unworthy; our Lord Jesus Christ working with thee, who with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to whom be honour and dominion, world without end. Amen.

The Chants of the Mass for a Bishop

¶ Now the introit is to be begun.

The Lord hath chosen thee for himself to be a high priest, and, opening his good treasure, may he make thee to abound in all good things.

¶ Psalm: The Lord hear thee [Ps. 20].

¶ Respond: Send thee [help].

℟. Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice. [Ps. 20:3]

℣. Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion. [Ps. 20:2]

¶ Tract: Desire.

¶ Offertory: Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice. Alleluia. Alleluia.

℣. We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of the Lord our God we will set up our banners. [Ps. 20:5]

Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion.

¶ Communion: It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments. For there the Lord commanded the blessing [for evermore]. [Ps. 133:2-3]

¶ Respond: Behold, how good.

¶ Another.

As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee, saith the Lord; strengthen my people, and fear not. Behold, the Lord thy God is before thee, and he will not forsake thee.

¶ Psalm: The Lord hear thee.

¶ Respond: Send.

℟. The Lord send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion.

℣. The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee. [Ps. 20:1]

¶ Alleluia: I have made [a covenant]. ℣. Truth.

¶ Communion: We will rejoice.

¶ Alleluia: He set him. ℟. O Lord, by.

¶ Verse: Life. ¶ Offertory: With glory and honour.

¶ Communion: Blessed is that servant.

God hath blessed thee this day, and hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

¶ Another: Remember the name of the Lord thy God.

¶ Psalm: The God of gods.

℟. Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High. [Ps. 50:14]

¶ Verse: Gather [my saints]. ¶ Respond: Desire. ¶ Offertory: Bless [the Lord], O my soul.

¶ Psalm: Go ye and preach the gospel of the kingdom; freely [ye have received] [...]