THE TONSURE
Traditionally, monks and clerics
of the Catholic Church have all or parts of their heads shaved, as prescribed
by Canon Law (CIC 136). This rite
signifies the admission of a layman to the clerical state. Since 1972,
it is no
longer practiced and the Novus Ordo Rite of Admission
has taken place of the Tonsure.
The Minor Orders
On September 14, 1972, Pope Paul
VI abolished the orders of Porter, Exorcist and Subdeacon. The
ordination
rite of Lector and Acolyte was revised and
could now be conferred on a layman.
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