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

2. 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

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

4. 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”

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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!

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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)

17. 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

18. 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.