1. Vocations: Answering God’s Call
Section 3: Ordained Life

2. Serving the Church through Ordained Ministry
Part 1
Serving the Church through Ordained Ministry

3. Art. 22: Christ, the High Priest
Sacrament of Holy Orders gives baptized man grace to serve as deacon, priest, or bishop
Instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper
Jesus calls Apostles to continue mission after Ascension

4. Christ, the High Priest (cont’d)
Melchizedek = first priest mentioned in Old Testament
Not much known about him
Frequently mentioned as symbol for true priesthood

5. Christ, the High Priest (cont’d)
Old Testament priesthood prefigures priesthood of Christ
Aaron (brother of Moses) and Levites are priests
King Solomon (son of David) builds Temple
For priests/people to offer sacrifice and worship God
People of Israel called to be priestly people
Early priesthood honors God; could not bring salvation

6. The Priesthood of Christ
Jesus is fulfillment of OT priesthood
“A priesthood that does not pass away” (Heb 7:24)
Jesus offers Himself in atonement for sins of humanity
“Reparation for wrongdoing or sin and reconciliation with God, accomplished for humankind by Christ’s sacrifice”

7. The Priesthood of Christ (cont’d)
Christ instituted Eucharist:
Memorial of His death/Resurrection
Enables disciples to enter into true communion with Him
Sacrifice on the Cross made present at every Mass
Priest acts in “person of Christ”

8. Art. 23: Continuing Christ’s Saving Mission
Christ makes it possible to attain union with God
Eternal life
Jesus promises to remain with Church forever
Sends Holy Spirit to guide us
Establishes Seven Sacraments to continue saving works
Institutes priesthood so Sacraments can be administered in His Name

9. The Calling of the Twelve
Apostles:
Twelve men chosen by Jesus to be His close followers
Jesus forms their faith/knowledge of God
Chosen to continue ministry of Christ after Ascension
Were to spread Good News and administer Sacraments until end of time

10. Pentecost Apostles = ordinary men
Ordinary jobs, lives, etc.
Took a while for Apostles to understand their calling
Christ guides them to greater understanding
Sends Holy Spirit to them
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Apostles start spreading Gospel across the world at Pentecost

11. The Apostles Choose Successors
Apostles were mortal men  saw need for successors
“Person who comes after another as office holder. Bishops, led by the Pope (Bishop of Rome), are successors of the Apostles”
Began calling other men to share in the priesthood
Ex: Choose Matthias to replace Judas
Process continues today

12. Art. 24: A Threefold Ministry
Three aspects of a bishop’s ministry:
Teach
Govern
Sanctify

13. To Teach
“Make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20)
Bishops are to be teachers of the faith
One job is to spread the Good News as widely as possible
Can be done through words, deeds, and examples

14. To Teach (cont’d) Today, bishops teach by preaching Gospel
Explain Scripture in homilies, explain Church teaching, guide converts to the faith
Must make sure faithful can learn without error
Humans make mistakes
God protects Church from making errors related to faith and morals

15. Magisterium
“Church’s living teaching office, which consists of all bishops, in communion with the Pope (Bishop of Rome)”
Responsible for teaching faith
Responsible for protecting truths of the faith

16. To Govern
Bishops guide Church as Christ’s instrument and representative
Make sure Church uses resources wisely
Oversee Catholic institutions (schools, business, etc.) to make sure faith is taught/represented correctly
Also in charge of consecrated persons in their diocese

17. To Sanctify Sanctify = “to make holy”
Bishops and priests help people become holy through the sacraments
God alone sanctifies
Bishops/priests are His instruments
Sacraments help in specific ways
Also help through offering Mass
Priests offer peoples’ intentions to God also

18. Vocations: Answering God’s Call
Part 2: The Three Degrees of Holy Orders

19. Three Degrees of Holy Orders
Bishop—receives fullness of Sacrament of Holy Orders; can administer all Sacraments
Priest—coworker of the bishop; ministers to specific parish, administers Sacraments
Deacon—called to serve Church; serve in pastoral ways

20. Art. 25: Bishops
In Letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes that Christ calls:
“some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ” (4:11-12)
We are familiar with some of these roles
What about Paul’s mention of apostles?
How are the apostles still active in the Church today

21. The Apostles’ Successors
Vocation of first Apostles is unique
Very important for Church throughout history up to today
Vocation of apostles is carried out in Church today by bishops
Apostolic Succession extends back to the Apostles and Christ
Gives bishops important role in Church

22. The Apostles’ Successors (cont’d)
College of bishops made up of all the bishops of the world
Gets authority from the Pope, successor of St. Peter
Bishops receive fullness of Sacrament of Holy Orders
Special outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Priests and deacons do not receive fullness of sacrament

23. The Apostles’ Successors (cont’d)
Bishops are able to administer all seven sacraments
Can give out all three degrees of Holy Orders
Holy Orders also known as Sacrament of apostolic ministry
Can only be administered by bishops

24. Caring for a Diocese Bishops chosen from the ranks of priests
Only Pope can call a man to be a bishop
Pope asks bishop to be leader of a diocese
Vocation of bishop is to be shepherd of his people
He must teach, govern, and sanctify them
Bishop is spiritual father of members of the diocese

25. Caring for a Diocese (cont’d)
Bishops have many practical responsibilities as well:
Overseeing function of parishes, schools, and charitable organizations
Giving priests their assignments
Writing and preaching to the people of the diocese
Caring for the spiritual needs of his people
Celebrating the Eucharist (Mass)

26. Symbols of Bishop’s Vocation
Ring—represents bishop’s fidelity to the Church
Reminds him he is “married” to the Church
Will give his life and love to the Church as a father would a family
Miter (pointed hat)—represents bishop’s authority
Crozier (shepherd’s staff)—represents bishop’s call to care for Christ’s flock

27. Article 26: Priests
Receive priesthood through Sacrament of Holy Orders
Called, ordained, and sent to preach the Gospel and administer the sacraments
Role developed as Apostles began to ordain men to become their coworkers
Form the presbyterate

28. Diocesan Priests and Religious Order Priests
Part of particular Church or diocese
Under the direction of a bishop
Serve the people of his diocese
Promise to obey bishop, pray the Liturgy of the Hours, remain celibate
Belong to religious order
Make vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
Under the direction of leader of religious community
Serve the mission of the community
Diocesan Priests and Religious Order Priests

29. The Ministry of a Priest
Rooted firmly in Jesus Christ
Fullest expression in preaching of Gospel and administration of Sacraments

30. The Ministry of a Priest (cont’d)
Ministers of the Eucharist
Preside over Eucharistic celebrations
Absolve sins through Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
Witness and bless exchange of vows in Matrimony
Ministers of Sacrament of Baptism
Bring new members into the Church

31. The Ministry of a Priest (cont’d)
Minister wherever bishop/religious superior sends them
Can have many different responsibilities over the course of his priestly life
Teach in schools, work in diocesan offices, etc.
Most assigned to minister in a parish
Regardless of assignment, main role:
Make Christ present to all people at all times

32. The Ministry of a Priest (cont’d)
Through Holy Orders, priest is configured to Christ
Stands in place of Christ as head of the Body, the Church
People are able to encounter God in a real way

33. Article 27: Deacons Apostles faced dilemma after Pentecost:
Church growing quickly, taking care of many people
Not enough helpers within the Church meet all the needs
Apostles realized need to choose more men to help

34. Solution to the Dilemma
Seven men are chosen to take care of the poor
Apostles are able to focus on prayer and preaching the Gospel
Officially ordained by the Apostles
Beginning of the diaconate:
Assistance at Mass
Deacons were assistants of the bishops
Serve the bishops and priests in their ministries to the people of God

35. Transitional versus Permanent Deacons
Transitional Deacons
Permanent Deacons
Candidates for priesthood but serve as deacons for six months before becoming priests
Called to be deacons for life
May either be celibate or married
Celibate deacons must be at least twenty-five, unmarried, and willing to be unmarried for life
Cannot marry following ordination
Transitional versus Permanent Deacons

36. Serving as a Deacon
Married permanent deacons serve their local parish:
May help with parish organizations
Might work in Church offices
Baptize and witness marriages
Take Communion to the sick

37. Serving as a Deacon (cont’d)
Deacons also assist in liturgical services:
Proclaim the Gospel
Sometimes preach the homily
Assists the main priest during Liturgy of the Eucharist
Can preside at funerals outside of a Mass

38. Vocations: Answering God’s Call
Part 3: The Sacrament of Holy Orders

39. Article 28: Who May Be Called?
No one decides on his own if he is called to Holy Orders
Personal call from God
Must also be confirmed by the Church

40. Baptized Men
Both men and women followed Christ during His time on earth
Only called men to become His Apostles
Church only calls baptized men to ordained life

41. Celibacy
Bishops, priests, transitional deacons, unmarried permanent deacons all commit to celibacy
Required to give themselves fully to God for sake of the Kingdom

42. Celibacy (cont’d) Church never forces anyone to be celibate but:
Does recognize some men are called to remain unmarried
Has discerned that single-minded devotion to God is quality of those called to Holy Orders
Has right to ordain those she determines to be most suitable

43. Celibacy (cont’d)
Only exception in Roman Catholic clergy is permanent deacons:
Can be called from either married or unmarried men
If married at ordination, cannot get remarried after death of wife
Must commit to celibacy if wife dies

44. Necessary Personal Qualities
Age-appropriate degree of personal maturity
Relates well to others, enjoys being around people
Has healthy, balanced relationships with others
Understands responsibility and consequences for actions
Awareness of God’s presence
Active prayer life
Desire to talk about faith
Understanding of personal sacrifice

45. Necessary Personal Qualities (cont’d)
Solid leadership skills
Ability to lead and work with others
High degree of personal integrity
Respect for all people
No one has all of these qualities
A candidate should possess at least some of them

46. Article 29: Preparing for the Priesthood
“Formation” = term used to describe process of preparing for priesthood
Deeper than academic studies and practical training
Four pillars of formation:
Human formation—strengthens natural virtues
Spiritual formation—focuses on one’s prayer life
Intellectual formation—learning about the faith
Pastoral formation—how to live life of a priest

47. Family Life: The First Formation
God can call anyone from any family situation
No one has perfect family life
Usually, formation begins by being part of loving, healthy, Catholic family
Love of parents can show love priest needs for the Church
Family prayer can strengthen spirituality in young men

48. Family Life: The First Formation (cont’d)
Support and encouragement from family can be very important
Can help young men have courage to respond to priestly vocation

49. The Seminary
When man feels some degree of certainty about vocation, he contacts vocation director:
Helps man discern his vocation
May encourage him to enter seminary

50. The Seminary (cont’d) Candidates spend six to eight years in seminary
Depends on educational background
First 2-4 years called “pre-theology” or “college seminary”
Seminarians study philosophy to build love of truth
Also study Latin and Greek

51. The Seminary (cont’d) Final four years spent in major seminary
Studies focus on theology:
Dogmatic—study of truths/teachings of the faith
Moral—study of what is right and what is sinful
Spiritual—study of prayer and spirituality
Sacred Scripture
Allows seminarian to understand and be able to explain the faith better

52. Seminary Life Various forms of personal and communal prayer Daily Mass
Meetings with spiritual director
Yearly retreat
Class/homework
Free time

53. Article 30: The Celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Orders
Important step on journey to priesthood is transitional diaconate
Call to the diaconate is call to service
Candidates transition from being laypeople to being clergy
Men promise to pray the Liturgy of the Hours everyday for rest of their lives
Officially become deacons during the ceremony

54. Ordination to the Priesthood
Takes place in the cathedral
Shows that a priest is coworker with the local bishop
Transitional deacons are called by name by the bishop
Presented by priest responsible for formation
People of God also state confident in candidates’ vocations

55. Ordination to the Priesthood (cont’d)
Bishop questions deacons about their willingness to dedicate lives to priestly service
Deacons kneel before bishop  promise loyalty and obedience to him and his successors
All present pray for outpouring of Holy Spirit on candidates
Candidates prostrate themselves during Litany of the Saints
Shows total surrender to God
Laying down their lives in union with Christ

56. Ordination to the Priesthood (cont’d)
Laying on of Hands
Bishop says prayer of consecration over each candidate
From this point on, men are priests of Jesus Christ throughout eternity
Priests hands are anointed with Sacred Chrism
Now able to make Christ present in the Eucharist
Given chalice and paten
Bishop gives each candidate a sign of peace

57. Episcopal Consecration
Some priests are called to be bishops
To receive the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders
Only the Pope can decide to make new bishops

58. Episcopal Consecration (cont’d)
Ceremony starts with reading of Letter from Holy See
Examination of man’s willingness to undertake duties of a bishop takes place
Litany of the Saints is prayed
Laying on of Hands takes place
At least three bishops must be in attendance for laying on of hands
Any other bishops in attendance also participate

59. Episcopal Consecration (cont’d)
Book of the Gospels is held open over head of candidate
New bishop’s head is anointed with Sacred Chrism
Book of Gospels handed to him
New bishop given insignia of his office:
Ring, miter, crozier

60. Article 31: The Effects of the Sacrament
When man is ordained, his soul is forever changed
He is marked with permanent seal/character

61. What Is a Sacramental Character?
Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders all leave irremovable mark on one’s soul
Fundamentally change the recipient’s identity
Such a dramatic change  can only be received once in a lifetime

62. What Is a Sacramental Character? (cont’d)
Baptism and Confirmation confer character of belonging to Christ in special way
Sacraments of Initiation
Mark people as belonging to the Body of Christ, the Church
Sacrament of Holy Orders marks one as set apart for God’s service
Man is configured to Christ in particular way

63. The Grace of the Holy Spirit
Grace of Holy Orders is union with Christ
Sharing in His mission as Priest, Teacher, and Pastor
Grace for bishop is grace of strength
Strength to govern and guide
Strength to love all, especially those in need
Strength to proclaim the Gospel
Grace for deacons is whole-hearted commitment to people of God

64. The Grace of the Holy Spirit (cont’d)
Grace is a gift
Not a thing, but a relationship
The closer bishops, priests, and deacons get to God, the more faithfully they carry out their roles

65. A Permanent Change
Ordained priest is “a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4)
Holy Orders confers special character
Not possible to “un-ordain” someone
In some cases men are no longer required/allowed to function as a priest
Does not mean ordination is invalid
Soul still bears the character of the priesthood
Still perform Sacrament of Penance in emergency