1. 3.2 The Three Degrees of Holy Orders
Fall 2016
Mr. Salter
Vocations Responding to God’s Call

2. 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

3. #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

4. #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

5. #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

6. #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.

7. #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

8. #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

9. #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

10. #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

11. #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