Holy OrdersPath through CatholicismChapter 16

Mark Link, SJRCL, 2000

Review of Chapter 15

What are the Churches teachings concerning the sanctity of marriage.

What are the challenges and dangers which most marriages face.

Objectives:† Identify the two priesthoods† Identify the three degrees of Holy Orders† Describe the three apostolic missions of bishops.† Explain the requirements and role of the

deaconate.† Discuss the Biblical origins for the leadership of

the Pope and the role of the college of Bishops† Define magisterium, infallibility and celibacy

Word of the Week

Liturgy of Eucharist

The Eucharistic Prayer, Our Father, Sign of Peace, Communion.

Baptism makes every Christian a sharer,to some extent,in the priesthood of Christ.Besides sharing in this common priesthood,some Christians are also calledto share in Christ’s ministerial priesthood, to preach the Gospel,preside at worship,and pastor members of Christ’s body.

Holy Orders

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Called To ServiceTelevision host Phil Donahue once observed that people who commit themselves to service usually pass through three stages:

1.Fun… “I love doing this, why did I wait so long to get involved?”

2. Intolerant… “Anyone who isn’t involved isn’t really a Christian.3. Reality… Suddenly realize that their involvement is going to only

make a small dent in the world’s problems. At this stage, saints are made.

How do you understand the statement, “At this stage, saints are made.”?

Sacraments of service

Every Christian has been incorporated to the body of Christ and is called to service.

Jesus instituted two special sacraments of service:1. Marriage --Serves the body of Christ by building

it up in membership and holiness.

2. Holy Orders – serves the body of Christ by pastoral leadership.

Common PriesthoodWhen we think of Holy Orders, we usually think of the priesthood. Every baptized Christian participates in the priesthood of Christ. We call this participation the common priesthood of the faithful to distinguish it from the ordained priesthood.

You are the chosen race, the King’s priests, a holy nation, God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9

Ordained PriesthoodThe ordained priesthood differs from the common

priesthood in that it is not something YOU choose; it is something that you are “called” to by God.

The common priesthood is conferred by the sacrament of Baptism.

The ordained priesthood is conferred by the sacrament of Holy Orders.

It is also called the ministerial priesthood.

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Sacrament of Holy OrdersJohn CatoirAs a young man I felt a strong attraction for the priesthood, but I held back. I was afraid to assume the many burdens; afraid of all the alligators in the swamp of life; afraid of failing…It took me about seven years of inner turmoil, from high school through college and military service, before I had the courage to say “yes” to God’s call. I never regretted my decision.

The call to ordained priesthood has its origins in the Old Testament. There were twelve tribes in Israel that were

called to be a priestly people. One tribe, the Levi tribe, was chosen for liturgical service to other tribes.

This special call is analogous to ordained priesthood in the New Testament. The ordained service is at the service of the

common priesthood.

Ordained priesthood is conferred by the sacrament of Holy Orders and is exercised in three different degrees:

BishopsPriestsDeacons

BishopAs successors of the Apostles, the bishop receives the “fullness” of the sacrament.

By receiving fullness, they receive both the authority and responsibility to carry out the threefold, apostolic mission:

Teaching -- Preaching the GospelSanctifying -- Presiding at Worship

Leading -- Pastoring SpirituallyThe “fullness” of Holy Orders unites the bishops into a “college

of bishops” under the leadership of the bishop of Rome, the Pope.

Leadership Roles of the Bishop

Just as Peter held a special leadership role Among the Apostles, so his successor, the “Bishop of Rome,” holds a special leadership role among the “college of bishops.” ccc880-82

In the 11th century, Christians gave the leader of the “Bishop of Rome” the name Pope, which means “Father of the fathers”.

Scripture gives a number of examples that reflect Peter’s leadership: Luke 6:14, Acts 2-5, Matthew 16:19, Galatians 1:18

PriestsAs the Church grew, the bishop could no longer serve all the

people, he ordained priests (presbyters) that were in charge of each parish (churches located in the bishop’s assigned territory or diocese). They exercise their ministry with the permission of the bishop and in communion with him.

What qualities

do you look for

in a priest?

Practical Connection

The practice of Roman Catholic bishops and priests to remain

celibate (not marry) dates back to early Christian times. But it

didn’t become a universal practice until the 12th century. Two

reasons recommend it:

From a spiritual viewpoint, celibacy models itself on Jesus, who

was celibate. It acts as a sign of Jesus’ continued presence in

the Church.

From a practical viewpoint, it frees the priest from family

demands and makes him more available for service to the

Church.

DeaconsCan be single or married MEN who have felt God’s call.Serve the community through: • Baptizing New Members, • Assist at and bless marriages, • Preside over Funerals, • Perform ministries of Charity

Why would/wouldn’t you consider a call from God to Church ministry as a deacon?

What are Holy Orders? (Video)

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Celebration of Holy Orders

• The celebration of this sacrament consists of two essential elements: Imposing Hands and Prayer of Consecration.

• The prayer of consecration asks God to give to the ordained( the one being ordained) the graces of the Holy Spirit needed to carry out his ministry.

Exercise of Holy OrdersOne day Jesus was instructing his disciples. In the course of the

instruction, he turned to Peter… Read Matthew 16:18-19Before ascending to his Father, Jesus commissioned Peter and

the Apostles to teach all nations… Read Matthew 28:20To assist the Apostles and their successors, Jesus promised them

the help of the Holy Spirit… Read John 14:16-17, 26

This is the background or legacy for the teaching office of the bishops under the leadership of the pope. The teaching office is called the magisterium of the Church. An often misunderstood dimension of this teaching office is infallibility.

CCC888-92

InfallibilityInfallibility means that, in both faith and morals, the church will

never stray from the teachings of Jesus. We believe that the Holy Spirit guides the teachers of the Church in matters relating to faith and morals. The charism of infallibility is the carrying out of Jesus’ promise to his Apostles.

If the pope or the college of bishops (acting together with the pope) declares a doctrine relating to faith and morals to be “infallible,” it becomes a permanent part of the Catholic faith.

Why is the charism of infallibility so essential when it comes to interpreting Scripture and truths relating to matters of faith and morals?

A Protestant writer observes:The conference of Luther and Zwingli… to unify the German and Swiss Reformation, broke down… over the failure of two leaders to agree on the interpretation of a single Biblical text: “This is my Body.” From that day on the misuse of the Bible has vitiated the spirit of Protestantism… and divided it into sects. Charles Clayton Morrison

Protestant Misuse of the Bible

End of Class game or reviewDiscussion Questions in notes below.

Holy Orders Chapter Game

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Here I am Lord – A Call to Serve (Music Video)

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Closing PrayerYou gift me with all the good gifts that make me the person you created me to be. Help me to know and find your will and to trust that you will help me to understand the path you call me to journey in life. Where there is doubt give me courage. Give me a heart open to your quiet voice so I can hear your call to me. Help me to know your faithfulness and help me to be faithful to that which you call me to. Amen.

Objectives:† Identify the two priesthoods† Identify the three degrees of Holy Orders† Describe the three apostolic missions of bishops.† Explain the requirements and role of the

deaconate.† Discuss the Biblical origins for the leadership of

the Pope and the role of the college of Bishops† Define magisterium, infallibility and celibacy