3.2 The Three Degrees of Holy Orders Fall 2016 Mr. Salter Vocations Responding to God’s Call

Part 2: The Three Degrees of Holy Orders #25 Bishops P114 Paul to the Ephesians: “Some are called as apostles, others as prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers… all to build up the Body of Christ.” (4:11-12) Paul implies there are many functions required for the Church to function Understanding the Titles of Bishops Diocesan Bishops – chief shepherd of a diocese Auxiliary Bishops – a bishop who assists the diocesan bishop in responsibilities Archbishops – a diocesan bishop who assists in the indirect responsibilities of neighboring dioceses within a metropolitan (provincial) areas Cardinals – a member of the college of bishops who is responsible for electing a new pope; frequently an archbishop, and given Magisterial responsibilities

#25 Bishops P114-115 The Apostolic Successors Apostolic Succession The uninterrupted passing on of preaching authority from the Apostles. College of Bishops - are the assembly of bishops in communion with the Pope, throughout the world Bishops have received the full authority of the Sacrament of Holy Orders The receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit at ordination Priests and Deacons do not receive the “fullness” of the sacrament of Holy Orders, but serve through the local bishop Bishops can administer all seven sacraments Episcopate = the office of bishop Apostle = “One who is sent” Only bishops can confer the sacrament of Holy Orders

#25 Bishops P114-115 Caring for a Diocese Becoming a bishop Bishops are chosen from priests Only a pope can call a man to be a bishop Pope’s assign a bishop to a diocese, “particular church” Primary responsibility to act as shepherd in the roles to: teach, govern and sanctify the people entrusted to his care It could be said, to act as a “spiritual father” Though assigned to a particular diocese, a bishop is responsible to care for the entire church, in communion with the pope

#25 Bishops p115 Caring for a Diocese Function of the office Must oversee parishes, schools, and charitable outreach Promotes vocations within diocese, as well as formation of priests Ordination of new priests and deacons (consecrated virgins) Writes periodic pastoral letters addressing needs of diocese This may include synod 16 – for specific purpose “evangelization” to become a “Band of missionary disciples” Chrism mass and confirmation Ordinary minister of confirmation (shadow box) Priests can be given authority to confirm on behalf of a bishop Eastern rite – confirm at baptism

#25 Bishops P117 Caring for a Diocese Signs and symbols of the office Ring - symbolize being married to the church Miter – the unique pointed hat worn during liturgical ceremonies, symbol of his governing authority Crozier (staff) – symbolizing his being a shepherd Pallium – a band of cloth worn over the shoulders of a pope and archbishop; is a sign of the special authority carried in that position.

#26 priests P118 Priests Are ordained men who receive sacrament of holy orders Sent to preach the word of god and administer the sacraments Teaching/Preaching the gospel primarily happens at the homily in mass Sanctifying primarily happens in administering the sacraments Governing by administering the responsibilities of the parish community This role of presbyter was instituted by the apostles The office of priests is called the presbyterate

#26 priests P119 diocesan Priests and religious order priests Ordination – two paths - Diocesan and religious priest Religious order priests Religious priests belong to a particular religious order who live a specific charism (special gift) Basilians, Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans… Most religious take final vows prior to ordination Most religious take three vows: Obedience to remain faithful the superior of the order Celibacy – to remain chaste Poverty – to not own worldly goods, but rather live in community And to pray the office and liturgy of hours some orders take a fourth vow, e.g. passionate father to preach the passion of our lord

#26 priests p120-121 “the lord be with you” - “And with your spirit” Response – refers to the spirit of Christ bestowed on the priest through ordination The ministry of the priest “be Christ” The priest sanctifies the people of god through the sacraments of the Eucharist, baptism, reconciliation, marriage, anointing of the sick The primary role of a diocesan priest is to the parish “Father” (shadow box p. 199) scripture states, “call no one ‘Father’ except you Father in heaven.” But it also calls men who are spiritual leaders “father” on several occasions; thus the church adopted this title as a term of respect

#27 Deacons p122 Serving as a deacon Most deacon serve in a parish Assist priest in exercising priestly duties Lead Charitable and educational programs Eucharistic minister for the sick and infirmed St. Vincent de paul Bible studies, rcia, marriage preparation Rosary at wakes Visiting and praying with the sick May baptize and Witness sacrament of marriage Will participate in assisting priest at mass

#27 deacons p123-124 Early church The apostles needed help distributing goods and caring for the poor (acts 6:1, 2-4) The diaconate was born St. Stephen first martyr and one of 7 original deacons St. Lawrence, deacon “hand over the Church’s riches…” “… and so he brought the poor, the widowed, the sick, and orphaned. These are the Church’s most valuable treasures.” Transitional vs. permanent deacons Transitional – the step prior to ordination to priesthood Permanent – can be married or celibate At least 25 years old If married, has consent of wife; if widowed, cannot remarry