MEETING JESUS IN THE SACRAMENTS CHAPTER 8 THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

Quick Write In your opinion, why do some men want to become priest? Be sure to provide a thorough explanation

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men” Why Men Become Priests? “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men” WHY BECOME A PRIEST? Many men are attracted to the essential sacramental role the priest has in the Church. The examples of men who are already ordained inspire those considering the priesthood.

Who Can Be Ordained? Holy Orders is the means for perpetuating the mission of Christ. No one has the right to receive Holy Orders. Holy Orders is reserved only for baptized males. The Church is bound to the choice made by the Lord himself not to include women among the Twelve. This practice is part of the Church’s Deposit of Faith.

Celibacy The renunciation of marriage made by those who receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders for more perfect observance of chastity This commitment is in imitation of Christ It is a sign of new life and service to which the Church’s ministry is made holy

INTELLECTUAL FORMATION Areas of Formation HUMAN FORMATION SPIRITUAL FORMATION INTELLECTUAL FORMATION PASTORAL FORMATION

Understanding the Sacrament of Holy Orders The orders of bishop and priest enable the one who is ordained to act in the person of Christ. The order for deacon is intended to help and serve the priests and bishops in their work.

Priesthood in the Old Testament In early Israel, the father of the family acted as priest. During the Exodus, Moses selected seventy elders to aid him in discerning God’s will. After the Temple was constructed, the main role of priests was Temple duty.

The Priesthood of Christ The ministerial priesthood shares the unique priesthood of Christ and is at the service of the common priesthood. The Apostles soon realized they needed help in their ministry. The Apostles chose men to serve as presbyters and selected episcopoi to continue their work after their deaths.

Brief History of the Sacrament 2nd Century: bishop ordained priests and deacons to help him in his ministry 4th Century: clergy gained more privileged status Middle Ages: diaconate a step to priesthood Influence of monasticism (celibacy) Council of Trent: seminary training for priests Vatican II: restored the permanent diaconate; called for a New Rite of Ordination

Celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Orders Holy Orders is celebrated and exercised in three degrees: Episcopacy Presbyterate Diaconate

The Ordination of Bishops Fullness of Holy Orders The ordinary confers the sacrament on the bishop- elect through laying on of hands and a consecratory prayer Receives Book of the Gospels, ring, mitre, and crosier

The Ordination of Priests Presented to the bishop after assent of the community The bishop confers the sacrament on the ordinand through laying on of hands and a consecratory prayer Receives a stole and a chasuble and has hands anointed with chrism

The Ordination of Deacons Transitional or permanent The bishop confers the sacrament on the ordinands through laying on of hands and a consecratory prayer Receives Book of the Gospels, a stole, and a dalmatic

The Grace of the Sacrament of Holy Orders Holy orders conforms the ordained minister even more closely to Christ, giving him an indelible character.

The Grace of the Sacrament of Holy Orders ACTING AS CHRIST THE HIGH PRIEST ACTING AS CHRIST THE TEACHER ACTING AS CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Ordination Leads to a Ministry of Service Holy Orders gives bishops,priests, and deacons special graces to be faithful to their vocation Bishops and priests serve the People of God by teaching, worship, and pastoral governance

Ordination Leads to a Ministry of Service Service to the Universal Church Service to the Local Church Ordination to the episcopate makes each new bishop a member of the episcopal college. The pope, as head of the college of bishops, has the added charism of infallibility. To preach the Gospel to all To sanctify the People of God by providing the Eucharist and other sacraments To govern the parish through pastoral ministry

Ordination Leads to a Ministry of Service Facilitating a Call to Serve The history of every priestly vocation, indeed of every Christian vocation, is the history of an inexpressible dialogue between the love of God who calls and the freedom of the individuals who lovingly respond to him.

St. Maximilian Kolbe Polish priest who was martyred at Auschwitz after sacrificing himself in place of a young Jewish man, saying these words: “I AM A CATHOLIC PRIEST”

Group Activity Work in groups of 3 to complete the Handout 8B Discuss the meaning of each passage and then write a short statement showing how the passage relates ordained ministry to Christ either as PRIEST, TEACHER, or shepherd. Make sure you provide a rationale for your choice.