The ordination stole.
An ordination sets a person apart for ministry, on a date the church fixes well ahead. The stole is the vestment of the ordained, which makes it a fitting gift for the day.
When
An ordination falls on the date the church sets. Delivery takes 3 to 5 business days, so order with the date in mind.
What each tradition wears
- Episcopal
- Red is the traditional colour at ordinations in the Episcopal Church and in many Anglican churches. Some churches use white.
- Roman Catholic
- The Mass of an ordination is celebrated in its proper colour, in white or in a festive colour (GIRM 347).
- Other churches
- Practice differs, so ask the ordinand or the church.
Choosing
The red stole carries a gold cross over flames on one end and a white dove over flames on the other: the fire and the dove of the Holy Spirit, for whom the church prays at an ordination. The Spirit and Flame stole is the printed alternative, and the red simple cross the plainest.
If the colour matters, ask the ordinand or the church before you choose. Where white is worn, the white stole is the one.
Every FOGRIO stole is worn around the neck, hanging from both shoulders, as priests and pastors wear it. A deacon's stole is worn differently, over one shoulder, so for a deacon's ordination check with the church first.
Sources: An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church; Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, Liturgical Colors & Seasons; Church of South India, liturgical colours; The Roman Missal, General Instruction ch. VI, ยงยง346 to 347 (USCCB).
