Chapter Seven Continuing the Work of the Apostles

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 Apostolic succession assures a continuity from the apostles While the Church continues to pray for men to be ordained, it will forever be fulfilled Scene in Upper Room p

Sharing in Christ’s Priesthood p 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 p 204

Sharing in Christ’s Priesthood p 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 Church Visible / Invisible, Physical/ Spiritual, Natural / Supernatural

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 –Episcopos is Greek for bishop Historical Development p

The ministry of the Apostles begins at Pentecost with the coming of the Holy Spirit –Priests receive a sacred power at ordination Apostles’ ministry – through the Holy Spirit –They proclaimed the gospel, forgave sins, healed the sick, and celebrated the Lord’s supper in the name of Jesus –Every priest shares in Christ’s one eternal priesthood Sacraments “work” even if the priest is unholy Historical Development p

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 –By the second century, bishops were at the heart of all ministry in the Church, see St. Ignatius quote p.210 Structure of Ministry p

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 –Clergy emerged to act on behalf of bishops, which caused a division between laity and ordained Influences of Priesthood p

During the Middle Ages, priests took a role in the feudal system collecting taxes –Priesthood continued to be a vocation to holiness, though they were also bound to do the business of the bishop –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 –Several minor orders emerged: Porter, Lector, Exorcist, Acolyte Benediction - The rite of adoring the exposed Eucharist had its origin in the middle ages Influences of Priesthood p

Today Holy Orders p 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 –New bishops require the approval of the Pope –All bishops participate in a collegiality 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 Bishops pass on the gift of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands

Today Holy Orders p Consecrated to preach the Gospel, are proper ministers of Baptism, Eucharist, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick and serve as the Church’s witness at Matrimony Episcopacy- The Bishop –A part of an unbroken succession of leadership traced to the Apostles –“Sees” are the diocese to which bishops are assigned 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

Today Holy Orders p. 217 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 Permanent - can be married –The deaconate was restored by Vat II Transitional – prior step to being ordained a priest Those training for Holy Orders go to a seminary

Who Can Receive Holy Orders p 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 –Priesthood is not a right, but rather a calling –Celibacy is a requirement, with practical and spiritual rationale

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