1. Continuing the Work of the Apostles
Chapter Seven
Continuing the Work of the Apostles

2. Scene in Upper Room
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry
It’s purpose is to continue the work of the Apostles to the end of time
The Catholic Church is an apostolic Church
She was and remains built on the Apostles, the witnesses chosen and sent on the mission by Christ himself
While the Church continues to pray for men to be ordained, it will forever be fulfilled

3. Sharing in Christ’s Priesthood
The common priesthood of the faithful is received at Baptism and deepened at Confirmation
The hierarchical priesthood is received by bishops and priests through the sacrament of Holy Orders.
Priests originally had the role of making sacrifices, but later in Israel’s history, priests emerged as teachers and leaders

4. Sharing in Christ’s Priesthood
Jesus Christ is the High Priest and mediator as well as the head of the Body of Christ, the church
Through the sacraments we become members of Christ’s body and share in the priesthood of Christ
Common priesthood: priesthood of the faithful
We participate by sharing our faith with others in our words and actions
We join in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist

5. Historical Development
The first pastors were the Apostles
The successors to the Apostles were the order of bishops who were chosen by the Apostles
Apostles means “one sent”
The number 12 is significant because it represents the twelve tribes of Israel and the universality of the Church

6. Historical Development
The ministry of the Apostles begins at Pentecost with the coming of the Holy Spirit
They proclaimed the gospel, forgave sins, healed the sick, and celebrated the Lord’s supper in the name of Jesus
The Apostles appointed helpers to fulfill different ministries who eventually developed into bishops

7. Structure of Ministry
During the second century a clear hierarchical structure began arising in the Church
The community chose Bishops after the apparent presence of the Holy Spirit was recognized in them

8. Influences of Priesthood
The edict of emperor Constantine in 313 led to the legalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire and also had a large effect on the priesthood
This edict conferred civil authority, status, and privilege on bishops and priests
Communities no longer elected bishops; approval of the state was needed as well

9. Influences of Priesthood
During the Middle Ages, priests took a role in the feudal system collecting taxes
Since more priests were needed to celebrate mass, the order of the diaconate declined as an active ministry and evolved to a step on the way to priesthood

10. Today Holy Orders
The Pope has the primary authority over the whole church
The Pope and all the bishops form a single entity called the college of bishops
When the bishops come together with the Pope they form an ecumenical council where they have the task of truthfully teaching the Word of God

11. Today Holy Orders Episcopacy- The Bishop Presbyterate- The Priest
A part of an unbroken succession of leadership traced to the Apostles
Presbyterate- The Priest
Second level of Holy Orders
Ordained to be the co-workers of the Bishop and to help him with various tasks of his ministry
Consecrated to preach the Gospel, are proper ministers of Baptism, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick and serve as the Church’s witness at Matrimony

12. Today Holy Orders Diaconate- The Deacon
Comes from Greek word, diakonoi, which means servant or waiter
Assist bishops and priests at mass, witness marriages, read scripture, preach homily, preside in funerals and participate in charity

13. Who Can Receive Holy Orders
When Jesus chose the twelve apostles, he only chose men to have a role of leadership and act as a foundation for His Church
The Apostles passed on the mission they were given by Christ and they, too, chose only men to be their successors
The Church believes that the gift of a vocation to the priesthood for men can be compared to the vocation of motherhood for women

14. Vocabulary Clergy Jubilee Year Feudal System Apostolic Succession
Crosier
Catechumen
Seminaries
Primacy
Ecumenical Council
Collegiality
Jubilee Year
Apostolic Succession
Lectionary
Redemption
Altar of Holocausts
Common Priesthood
Pastors