Holy Orders Chapter Eight

Sharing in the Priesthood of Christ Christ becomes visibly present to the Church as its head and high priest Sacred power exercised on behalf of Christ for his church Ministerial priesthood vs. common priesthood

Through Holy Orders Christ continues to lead and build up his Church Ministerial priesthood enables Church to celebrate the sacraments Sharing in the Priesthood of Christ

Bishops, priests and deacons must: Proclaim and teach God’s word Lead Church in worship Imitate Christ’s model of humble service as guide to all

Apostle—”one sent” “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you” Apostles received mandate and power to carry out Christ’s mission Importance of Apostolic Succession

Jesus promises to be with apostles always through the Holy Spirit This mission is permanent Importance of Apostolic Succession

Apostles were foundation upon which Christ built the Church They appoint others to continue their work Apostolic Succession –Continuous and uninterrupted transfer of the preaching and authority Christ gave to his apostles and passed on to their successors

Importance of Apostolic Succession Response to heretics—need to formalize teachings and beliefs –Canon of scripture, Apostles Creed Who has authority to speak in Christ’s name? –Direct connection to apostles

Bishops and priests receive sacred power from Christ Deacons receive strength to serve Church in liturgy, word, and charity Importance of Apostolic Succession

Apostolic succession protects Church from heretical ideas Ensures that ministers of God’s grace have correct authority Importance of Apostolic Succession

Ordination – Sacramental act which integrates a man into the order of bishops, priests, or deacons Ordination in early Church was blessing or consecration for specific task Importance of Apostolic Succession

Today, ordination describes sacramental ordination Confers gift of Holy Spirit Sacred power coming from Christ

Bishop or priest empties himself and is filled with Christ –Surrender of power –Human minister still subject to weakness, error, or sin Importance of Apostolic Succession When bishop or priest celebrates sacrament, it is Christ who is acting

Importance of Apostolic Succession Communal dimension of Holy Orders Power and authority to be exercised within the Church as a whole College of Bishops with Pope as Head Priests under direction of bishop

Importance of Apostolic Succession Personal dimension of Holy Orders New spiritual character Bear personal witness to common mission of Church, responsibility to live faithfully

Bishops, priests, and deacons –Bishops and priests act in the person of Christ –Deacons ordained to help and serve bishops and priests Episcopal Ordination—ordination of bishops Three degrees of Holy Order

Pope is successor to St. Peter –Supreme Pontiff of Catholic Church Responsibilities of Bishop: Three degrees of Holy Order Making grace of God available through sacraments Teaching in name of Christ Ensuring teachings are understood and applied appropriately

Three degrees of Holy Order Authentic teaching of Pope and bishops Unity of bishops within college of bishops under Pope’s authority – Sign of the unity of the Church throughout the world – Bishop leader in celebration of divine worship – “Steward of the grace of the supreme priesthood”

Purpose of the ruling office of the Church—the growth of faith and holiness Canon law –Precepts and rules that regulate the Church –Church law to be respectfully obeyed Three degrees of Holy Order

Presbyteroi—elders in early Church –Priests are representatives of bishops –Priests consecrated to preach the gospel – Act in the person of Christ in the celebration of the Eucharist Three degrees of Holy Order

Deacons—ordained to assist bishops and priests Deacons are ordained to: – Read gospel and preach at liturgy – Assist priest during celebration of Eucharist – Blessings of marriages, funerals Three degrees of Holy Order

Deacons do works of charity in Church Two types of deacons: –Permanent diaconate –Deacons ordained as step toward priestly ordination Three degrees of Holy Order

The Rite or Ordination Three degrees of Holy Order 1.) Takes place in cathedral 2.) Assurance of necessary training 3.) Assent given by congregation 4.) Candidate given instructions 5.) Prayer of consecration

Rite of Ordination cont. Three degrees of Holy Order 6.) Laying on of hands by bishop 7.) Anointing with holy chrism 8.) Bishop given book of Gospels, mitre, ring, and staff 9.) Priest given paten and chalice 10.) Deacon given book of the Gospels

Tribe of Levi in Old Testament Jesus came as one high priest who could offer the perfect sacrifice Historical Development of Holy Orders Choosing of twelve apostles—missionary task Growing need for good order and formal structures of leadership emerges

Early gentile Christian communities formal structure including bishops and deacons In early Church, bishops chosen by community as a whole After 313, bishops and presbyters given civil authority and status Ordained called “clergy” Historical Development of Holy Orders

Influence of monastic life—religious habit, prayers, study, strict discipline including celibacy Celibacy required for ordained in the year 1215 Council of Trent asserts Holy Orders is one of seven sacraments, establishes seminaries Historical Development of Holy Orders

Vatican II reaffirms role of bishops, priests, and deacons is one of service Called to Serve—everyone should pray and reflect on how God is calling them to serve –Rely on support, prayers, and discernment of other people of faith Historical Development of Holy Orders