The Ordination of
Lydia Ruth Arnts
Maria Christina Hartz-Clineburg
David C. F. C. Jutsum
to the
Sacred Order of Priests
December 13, 2025 11:00 AM Feast of St. Lucy
The Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer,
Presiding and Preaching
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester
Christ Church Rochester
141 East Avenue, Rochester NY 14604
Ministers in Today’s Liturgy
Presider and Preacher
The Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer, IXth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester
Deacon The Rev. Andrea Stridiron, Deacon, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Rochester NY
Litanist The Rev. Jay Elmquist, Regional Missioner, the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
Lectors
First Lesson Sam Arnts
Second Lesson Valerie Jutsum
Gift Bearers
Amy Schill
Jen Eich
For the Rev. Lydia Ruth Arnts
Presenters Vesters
Michaelene Ahrens-Schultz The Very Rev. Leslie Burkardt
The Rev. Krista Cameron The Rev. Michele H. Morgan
The Rev. Dr. Melanie Duguid-May
The Rev. Annemarie Quigley
For the Rev. Maria Christian Hartz-Clineburg
Presenters Vesters
The Rev. Cindy Rasmussen The Rev. Cindy Rasmussen
The Rev. Gary Schindler Kristen Clineburg
Sharon Kowalski
Nancy Ramsay
For the Rev. David C. F. C. Jutsum
Presenters Vester
Libby Bakken Mayumi Jutsum
Chris Brennan
The Rev. Elizabeth Brooks Harden
The Rev. Gretchen Ratterree
The Rt. Rev. Augustine Kobayashi
Communion Ministers
The Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer
The Rev. Lydia Arnts
The Rev. Maria Hartz-Clineburg
The Rev. David Jutsum
The Rev. Andrea Stridiron
Deborah VanderBilt
Musicians
Music Director: Dr. John W.W. Sherer, Director of Music & Organist, St. Paul’s, Rochester NY
Roxanne Gaylord, Minister of Music, St. Thomas’, Bath NY
James Jeffery, Assistant Organist and VanDelinder Fellow, Christ Church, Rochester NY
Choir members from congregations throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.
Minister of Ceremony
The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting
Chancel Servers
Crucifer Deborah VanderBilt
Thurifer James Ford
Ushers
Bill Soleim
Fred Scipione
Voluntary “Sleepers, Wake!” A Voice Astounds Us Johann Sebastian Bach
Improvisation on “O Gracious Light” (Plainsong) arr. John Barr
Please stand, as able.
Introit Hymn #26 O Gracious Light chanted by the choir
Hymn 390 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Opening Acclamation and Collect for Purity
All remain standing and the Bishop says
Bishop Blessed be the one holy and living God.
People Glory to God for ever and ever.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.
People Amen.
The Presentation
The Bishop and people sit.
Standing before the bishop, the presenters present each candidate individually, saying,
Kara, Bishop in the Church of God, on behalf of the clergy and people of the Diocese of Rochester, we present to you Lydia Arnts / Maria Hartz-Clineburg / David Jutsum to be ordained priests in Christ’s holy catholic Church.
The Bishop addresses the presenters, saying
Have they been selected in accordance with the canons of this Church? And do you believe
their manner of life to be suitable to the exercise of this ministry?
The Presenters answer
We certify to you that they have satisfied the requirements of the canons, and we believe
them to be qualified for this order.
The Bishop says to the ordinands
Will you be loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received
them? And will you, in accordance with the canons of this Church, obey your bishop and other ministers who may have authority over you and your work?
The ordinands answer
I am willing and ready to do so; and I solemnly declare that I do believe the Holy Scriptures of
the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to
salvation; and I do solemnly engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church.
The Ordinands then sign the above Declaration in the sight of all present.
All now STAND, as able. The Bishop addresses the congregation.
Dear friends in Christ, you know the importance of this ministry, and the weight of your responsibility in presenting Lydia Arnts, Maria Hartz-Clineburg, and David Jutsum for ordination to the sacred priesthood. Therefore if any of you know any impediment or crime
because of which we should not proceed, come forward now, and make it known.
If no objection is made, the Bishop asks the congregation
Is it your will that Lydia, Maria, and David be ordained priests?
People It is.
Bishop Will you uphold them in this ministry?
People We will.
Bishop In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All kneel, as able.
The ordinands prostrate before the altar during the litany.
The Litany of Ordinations
The Litanists continue,
For Sean, our Presiding Bishop; Kara, our Bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons, that they may be filled with your love, may hunger for truth, and may thirst after righteousness, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For Lydia, Maria, and David, chosen priests, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
That they may faithfully fulfill the duties of this ministry, build up your Church, and glorify your Name, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
That by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit they may be sustained and encouraged to persevere to the end, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For their families that they may be adorned with all Christian virtues, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease and that all may be one as you and the Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For those who do not yet believe, and for those who have lost their faith, that they may receive the light of the Gospel, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
For those in positions of public trust that they may serve justice and promote the dignity and freedom of every person, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For a blessing upon all human labor, and for the right use of the riches of creation, that the world may be freed from poverty, famine, and disaster, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For ourselves; for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the grace of the Holy Spirit to amend our lives, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all who have died in the communion of your Church, and those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, blessed Paul and all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another,
Bishop God be with you.
People And also with you.
Bishop Let us pray.
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church,
that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry
out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which
were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new,
and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were
made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Lesson Isaiah 6:1-8
A Reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said, “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said, “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”
Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 132:8-19
Recited responsively by half-verse, those sitting on the pulpit side will say each verse up to the asterisk. Those sitting on the lectern side will say the bolded portion of each verse.
Let us go to God’s dwelling place; *
let us fall upon our knees before his footstool.
Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place, *
you and the ark of your strength.
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; *
let your faithful people sing with joy.
For your servant David’s sake, *
do not turn away the face of your Anointed.
The Lord has sworn an oath to David; *
in truth, he will not break it:
“A son, the fruit of your body *
will I set upon your throne.
If your children keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, *
their children will sit upon your throne for evermore.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion; *
he has desired her for his habitation:
“This shall be my resting-place for ever; *
here will I dwell, for I delight in her.
I will surely bless her provisions, *
and satisfy her poor with bread.
I will clothe her priests with salvation, *
and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.
There will I make the horn of David flourish; *
I have prepared a lamp for my Anointed.
As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; *
but as for him, his crown will shine.”
The Epistle Philippians 4:4-9
A Reading from the letter to the Philippians.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.
Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand, as able, and remain standing for the Gospel.
Sequence: Hymn 536 Open your ears, O faithful people
The Holy Gospel John 6:35-38
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away, for I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon The Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer
Please stand, as able.
The Nicene Creed recited in unison (Enriching Our Worship)
We believe
in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe
in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the
Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe
in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Please be seated.
The Examination
The Bishop addresses the ordinands, who stand before the bishop.
My sisters and brother,
the Church is the family of God, the body of Christ,
and the temple of the Holy Spirit. All baptized people are called to make Christ known
as Savior and Lord, and to share in the renewing of his world. Now you are called to
work as a pastor, priest, and teacher, together with your bishop and fellow presbyters,
and to take your share in the councils of the Church.
As a priest, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
and to fashion your life in accordance with its precepts. You are to love and serve the
people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor.
You are to preach, to declare God’s forgiveness to penitent sinners, to pronounce God’s blessing,
to share in the administration of Holy Baptism and in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ’s
Body and Blood, and to perform the other ministrations entrusted to you. In all that you do, you are to nourish Christ’s people from the riches of his grace, and strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come.
My sisters and brother, do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church
to this priesthood?
Answer I believe I am so called.
Bishop Do you now in the presence of the Church commit yourself to this trust and responsibility?
Answer I do.
Bishop Will you respect and be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of your bishop?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you be diligent in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures, and in seeking the knowledge of such things as may make you a stronger and more able minister of Christ?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you endeavor so to minister the Word of God and the sacraments of the
New Covenant, that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and received?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you undertake to be a faithful pastor to all whom you are called to serve,
laboring together with them and with your fellow ministers to build up the family of God?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you do your best to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ,
so that you may be a wholesome example to your people?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you persevere in prayer, both in public and in private, asking God’s grace,
both for yourself and for others, offering all your labors to God, through the mediation
of Jesus Christ, and in the sanctification of the Holy Spirit?
Answer I will.
Bishop May the Lord who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace
and power to perform them.
Answer Amen.
All now stand, except the ordinands, who kneel facing the Bishop, and join in singing.
During the hymn, the Presbyters join in standing to the right and left of the Bishop.
HYMN 504 Veni Creator Spiritus
The Consecration of the Priest
A period of silent prayer follows, the people still standing. The Bishop then says this Prayer of Consecration.
God and Father of all,
we praise you for your infinite love in calling us to be a holy people
in the kingdom of your Son Jesus our Lord, who is the image of your eternal and invisible
glory, the firstborn among many brethren, and the head of the Church. We thank you that
by his death he has overcome death, and, having ascended into heaven, has poured his gifts
abundantly upon your people, making some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,
some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry and the building up
of his body.
Here the Bishop lays hands upon the head of the ordinands, together with the Priests, praying
Therefore, Father, through Jesus Christ your Son, give your Holy Spirit to Lydia / Maria / David; fill him/her with grace and power, and make him/her a priest in your Church.
[For David Jutsum, the Rt. Rev. Augustine Kobyashi will also make the above prayer in Japanese.]
May they exalt you, O Lord, in the midst of your people; offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable
to you; boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation; and rightly administer the sacraments of the New Covenant. Make them faithful pastors, patient teachers, and wise councilors. Grant that in all things they may serve without reproach, so that your people may be strengthened and your Name glorified in all the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and
the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.
The congregation may be seated as the new Priests are vested according to the order of priests.
The Bishop now anoints the hands of the new Priests saying,
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to consecrate and sanctify these hands by your blessing and with this oil; and grant that whatsoever they shall bless may be blessed, and whatsoever they shall consecrate may be consecrated and sanctified, in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Bishop then gives a Bible to each of the newly ordained, saying
Receive this Bible as a sign of the authority given you to preach the Word of God and to administer his holy Sacraments. Do not forget the trust committed to you as a priest of the Church of God.
The bishop greets the new priests.
The Peace
New Priests The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
A greeting of peace is exchanged.
Welcome
Offertory Sentence
What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God?
The offering
Today’s offering is designated for Discretionary Funds of the new priests.
Offertory Hymn
THE HOLY COMMUNION
The Great Thanksgiving Enriching Our Worship
Eucharistic Prayer 2
Presider The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Presider Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Presider Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise
We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant. From before time you made ready the creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; and every living thing. You made us in your image, and taught us to walk in your ways. But we rebelled against you, and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love.
And so this day we join with Saints and Angels in the chorus of praise that rings through eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we sing:
Glory and honor and praise to you, holy and living God. To deliver us from the power of sin and death and to reveal the riches of your grace, you looked with favor upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and bear a son, Jesus the holy child of God.
Living among us, Jesus loved us. He broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed the sick, and proclaimed good news to the poor. He yearned to draw all the world to himself
yet we were heedless of his call to walk in love. Then, the time came for him to complete upon the cross the sacrifice of his life, and to be glorified by you.
On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again, he gave thanks to you, gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Now gathered at your table, O God of all creation, and remembering Christ, crucified and risen, who was and is and is to come, we offer to you our gifts of bread and wine, and ourselves, a living sacrifice. Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ.
Breathe your Spirit over the whole earth and make us your new creation, the Body of Christ given for the world you have made.
In the fullness of time bring us, with Mary, the God-bearer, blessed Lucy and all your saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation, to feast at the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. AMEN.
Lord’s Prayer
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done.
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
And deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
The Presider breaks the bread. Silence follows.
Presider We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ.
People We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.
Invitation to Communion
Presider The gifts of God for the people of God.
All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If a gluten-free host is better for you, please tell the minister when you come forward. Please follow the directions of the ushers.
The bread and the cup are given with these Words:
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Please respond: Amen.
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Please respond: Amen.
Communion Anthem
The Call from Five Mystical Songs – Ralph Vaughan Williams, arr. Allen Percival
Come, my way, my truth, my life: such a way as gives us breath;
such a truth as ends all strife; such a life as killeth death.
Come, my light, my feast, my strength: such a light as shows a feast;
such a feast as mends in length; such a strength as makes his guest.
Come, my joy, my love, my heart: such a joy as none can move;
such a love as none can part; such a heart as joys in love.
Communion Hymns
Hymn 335 I am the bread of life
Hymn 366 Holy God, we praise thy name
Please stand, as able.
Post-communion Prayer
Bishop Let us pray
Almighty Father, we thank you for feeding us with the holy food of the Body and Blood of your Son, and for uniting us through him in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit. We thank you for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of your Word and Sacraments. We pray that Lydia, Maria, and David may be to us an effective example in word and action, in love and patience, and in holiness of life. Grant that we, with them, may serve you now, and always rejoice in your glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Advent Blessing
May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin.
Amen.
May he whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love.
Amen.
May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at his second Advent be rewarded with unending life.
Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever.
Amen.
Hymn in Procession Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending
The Dismissal
Deacon Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
People Thanks be to God.
Voluntary Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Johann Gottfried Walther
The newly ordained priests will offer blessings following the liturgy, in the chapel.
All are invited to a reception in Wilder Hall in the Parish House,
hosted by Christ Church, Rochester.