A Sacrament at the Service of Communion Holy Orders A Sacrament at the Service of Communion

A Sacrament of Service A Sacrament instituted by Christ to pass on the ministries of deacon, priest, and bishop in His Church. The laity exercise a common priesthood through Baptism The sacramental (ministerial) priesthood is a means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads his Church

The three levels of Ordination There are three levels with different powers, responsibilities, and authority Episcopacy (Bishops) Presbyterate (Priests) Diaconate (Deacons)

Priesthood in Scripture Aaron, Moses’ brother, helped liberate the Israelites and became the first high priest “Golden Calf Incident” Levites become priests Melchizedek, a high priest who foreshadows Jesus’ priesthood New Testament: instituted at Last Supper with words “Do this in memory of me”

Bishops Comes from Greek “episkopos”-overseer Appointed by the Pope as successors of the Apostles Sanctify, teach, and govern the Church Comprise the Magisterium (the Teaching Authority of the Church Celebrate ALL Sacraments; they are the only ones who may celebrate Holy Orders

Bishops They govern a diocese Symbols of a Bishop: Mitre: head covering Ring: spiritual marriage to the Church, a symbol of bishop’s office Chair: “cathedra”/ Cathedral church houses chair of Bishop Crosier: shepherd’s staff symbolizes shepherd of flock

Priests Preach the Gospel, lead worship, guide the faithful, and celebrate Sacraments Celebrates Mass, perform other ministries Diocesan priests: work in a Diocese and serve the Bishop Priests belonging to religious orders obey their superiors and are united to their communities

Priests Symbols of a Priest Stole: band of cloth worn over shoulders as a sign of office. Demonstrates priestly authority Chasuble: an outer garment, once for warmth, symbolizes the yoke of Christ; changes color depending on season Chalice/Paten: symbols of priesthood and celebrating Mass

Deacons Assist bishops and priests Reads the Gospel and petitions, helps with distribution of Communion Can celebrate Baptisms and Matrimony Permanent or Transitional Symbols Dalmatic: sleeved garment Stole: worn over left shoulder Book of the Gospels

Celebrating Holy Orders Who? Baptized male of mature age and excellent character Someone who has received a “call” Interior AND exterior Educated in Theology, understands the responsibilities, and committed to celibacy

Matter, Form, and Minister Matter: laying on of hands by bishop Form: consecratory prayer requesting the outpouring of the Spirit on the person Minister: a validly ordained BISHOP!

The Rite of Holy Orders Presence of the laity is welcomed A solemn ceremony held at the Cathedral Laying on of Hands + Consecration prayer Eastern Rite distinctions: Maintain a permanent diaconate Priests and deacons may both be married (before their ordinations) Bishops remain celibate

Effects of Holy Orders Consecrates a baptized man to the service of God and the faithful Ordo refers to people of the same profession Ordo episcoporum Ordo presbyterorum Ordo diaconorum Orders  Hierarchy within Church

Titles in Holy Orders Monsignor: term of honor bestowed on some priests; sometimes used to address bishops Archbishop: head of an archdiocese/ Eastern Rites refer to this as an archeparch Cardinal: an archbishop, bishop, or priest, who has been appointed as one of the Pope’s advisors Reverend: used for all clergy; formal titles used for Deacons-Bishops.

Effects (continued) Configures recipient to Christ, so he may serve the Church as an instrument of Christ Confers the office of B, P, or D Leaves an indellible character upon the soul Grants a particular grace for the exercise of one’s ministry

Important Notes Just because a priest or bishop acts in persona Christi does not mean he will be free from sin and error. The “unworthiness” of the individual does not prevent the sacraments’ graces (ex opere operato)

Celibacy By remaining celibate, a priest dedicates his mind, heart, and time to service Complete self-giving and sacrifice modeled by Jesus A few exceptions: converts from other Christian churches with special permission (indult), Eastern Rite

Male Priesthood Jesus called men to be his Apostles Not disrespectful toward women, because women are included in ministry in a variety of other ways.