1. Sacraments of Vocation: Matrimony & Holy Orders

2. Discernment of Vocations
What can a person be called to?
- Religious, priest, married, single
How do we know?
- Prayer!
This is a serious life decision which should take time and experience
God calls you to a specific vocation that leads you to be most happy
Must have an element of trust; God is not going to call you to something you hate

3. Matthew Kelly Our vocation is our “billboard”
How are we living out our current vocation? Does it inspire people or scare people?
We have to love differently, authentically
It’s about a journey, an adventure!
It’s about happiness. It’s about joy.
God, what do you think I should do?

4. Journal: “God, what do you think I should do with my life?”
List a minimum of 5 things that make you “you”.
Things that bring joy to your life and are the authentic you.
Ask God, “What do you think I should do today…?”

5. Journal: “God, what do you think I should do with my life?”
Talk with at least 1 other person in order to get 5 things that they see that make you “you”.
Looking for the authentic you.
Ask God, “What do you think I should do today…?”

6. Journal: “God, what do you think I should do with my life?”
Homework
Talking with at least 1 person at home, list a minimum of 5 things that they see as the authentic you.
Ask God, “What do you think I should do today…?”

7. Matrimony
Definition: sacrament which unites a Christian man and Christian woman in marriage
Matter: mutual and free consent of a man and a woman
Form: approved formula of vows
Minister: man and woman being joined in Matrimony
Priest or deacon’s role: official Church witness
The two most important points are:
1. union of spouses
2. procreation and education of children

8. CCC1660:
“The marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and education of children. Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament.”

9. Covenant = an exchanging of persons, a promise.
In marriage the covenant is made between man, woman, and God
Raise children to help them attain heaven

10. Marriage is built on self-sacrifice, just as Christ and the Church’s unity and relationship is built
Christ is the bridegroom and the Church is the bride
Genesis 2:18- “God saw it was not good for man to be alone”
Grace enables them to perfect and sanctify their love
Sin affects both partners in marriage
Spouses lead each other to heaven

11. Celebration of Matrimony
CCC ¶1621
Should receive the sacrament of reconciliation prior to marriage
Celebration of matrimony normally takes place at Mass
Priest receives the couple in the name of the Church and gives a blessing.
CONSENT makes the marriage; it forms a valid bond

12. Who receives sacrament
Baptized man and woman
Not under constraint; not forced
Not impeded by any natural or ecclesiastical law

13. Effects of Marriage Permanent bond between spouses
Grace to keep marital promises (fidelity)
Perfects love, welcome children, attain holiness
Forgive each other, bear each other’s burdens
Graces is given until one spouse dies
Goal = total gift of self to other person, graces make it possible

14. Conjugal love CCC ¶1643 “Married love”
Love practiced within marriage between husband and the wife
A good act and strengthens the marriage
Involves the total person
Indissolubility, faithfulness, and fertility elevated to distinctly Christian virtues.

15. Domestic Church
Domestic church = your family; where you are first taught values, rules, to know God, education
Learn through the love you see in your families
Parents aim at caring for their children
Self-sacrificing love
Teaches children how to approach life- good times and difficult times

16. Sins against Marriage
Contraception- deliberate interference with marital intercourse to prevent conception
Adultery- acts of marriage between married person and party other than spouse
Divorce- action that claims to break valid marital bond
Polygamy- individual married to multiple spouses or someone else already married
Trial marriage- man and woman living together in relationship that involves sexual intimacy outside of marriage in attempt to evaluate what marriage would be like (Cohabitation)
Concubinage- man or woman involved in sexual intimacy in exchange for payment

17. Holy Orders
Definition: sacrament administered by a bishop through which men receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties as ordained ministers
Matter: laying on of hands for all three degrees; anointing with Chrism (hands of priest, head of bishop)
Form: silent invocation of Holy Spirit and separate prayer of consecration for each order
Minister: bishop
CCC ¶1554, 1572

18. Hierarchy (Arch) Bishops Priest Deacon Highest level of Holy Orders
Main power- ordain deacons, priests, bishops
Can administer all sacraments*
Apostle’s successors
Oversee
(arch) diocese
Priest
Assist and obey bishop
Administer all sacraments* except Holy Orders
Bishop’s helper
Oversee Parish
Deacon
preach and teach the gospel
Perform acts of service, help at baptisms, marriages, funerals, distribute communion
Priest’s helper
Assists a parish

19. Renounces possibility of wife and children
Obedience to the bishop
Receive graces in order to serve others
Has duty to administer the sacraments
Leaves an indelible mark on the soul

20. Common priesthood= laity are called to bring others to the Church by prayer and example in their work, friendships, and family
Ministerial priesthood = give radical gift of self; completely dedicate to directly building up the Church, act in persona Christi and celebrate Christ in the sacrifice of the Mass

21. Minister of Holy Orders
Must be an ordained bishop
Every bishop can trace succession back to the apostles
Must get permission by pope to ordain bishops, or else he is excommunicated
Bishop takes the place of Christ as the visible teacher, shepherd, priest, acts as Christ’s representative

22. Priests, co-workers with bishops
Receive indelible mark on the soul which enable him to act in person of Christ
Service to preach the gospel and shepherd faithful, and give the sacraments
Exercises authority in union with the bishop
Highest office of priest is celebration of mass

23. Deacon’s role
Assist bishop and priest in celebration of Eucharist, distribute Communion, blessing of marriages, proclaiming gospel, presiding over funerals, baptizing and various forms of service and charity
Transitional deacons
Permanent deacons

24. Celebration of Holy Orders
Preferably occurs during a Sunday mass at a cathedral.
Must be ordained by a bishop
Laying on of hands- of the head
Specific blessing of man asking God for gifts of the Holy Spirit
Instruction by bishop
Examination of candidate
Anointing with chrism
Given book of Gospels, chalice and paten

25. Requirements to receive Holy Orders
Baptized male
Interior and exterior call
Necessary knowledge of Holy Orders
Proper age, 24 yrs
Vow of celibacy
Study theology and other training

26. Graces of Holy Orders Reception of office of bishop, priest, deacon
Particular grace to exercise ministry
Strong in life