Introduction 33 12. It is for the Bishop,7 either in person or through a delegate, to establish, supervise and encourage the pastoral instruction of catechumens, and to admit them to Election and to the Sacraments. It is desirable that, insofar as possible, presiding over the Lenten liturgy, he himself celebrate the Rite of Election and, during the Easter Vigil, the Sacraments of Initiation at least for the Initiation of those who are fourteen years old or older. Finally, as part of his pastoral care, the Bishop should depute catechists, truly worthy and suitably prepared, to celebrate the Minor Exorcisms (nos. 90-94) and the Blessings of the catechumens (nos. 95-97). 13. It is for Priests, in addition to the usual ministry that they exercise in any celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist,8 to attend to the pastoral and personal care of catechumens,9 taking special care of those who seem hesitant or troubled, and to provide for their catechesis with the help of Deacons and catechists. They are to approve the choice of godparents and generously listen to them and help them. Finally they are to see to the complete and appropriate use of the rites throughout the course of the Order of Initiation (cf. no. 35). 14. A Priest who baptizes an adult or a child of catechetical age in the absence of the Bishop should also confer Confirmation, unless this Sacrament has to be conferred at another time (cf. no. 24).10 When those to be confirmed are too numerous, the minister of Confirmation may ask other Priests to join him for the administration of the Sacrament. It is necessary that these Priests: a) either exercise a particular role or office in the diocese, being namely, either Vicars General, Episcopal Vicars, or Vicars Forane, or by the mandate of the Ordinary, are considered equal to these because of the office they hold. 7 Cf. ibidem, no. 12. 8 Cf. ibidem, nos. 13-15. 9 Cf. Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, Presbyterorum ordinis, no. 6. 10 Cf. Order of Confirmation, Introduction, no. 7b. 44 48 45 46
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