vocations: answering god’s call section 3: ordained life

Vocations: Answering Gods Call Section 3: Ordained Life

Part 1 Serving the Church through Ordained Ministry

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

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

Christ, the High Priest (contd) 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

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 Christs sacrifice

The Priesthood of Christ (contd) 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

Art. 23: Continuing Christs 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

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

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

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

Art. 24: A Threefold Ministry Three aspects of a bishops ministry: Teach Govern Sanctify

To Teach Make disciples of all nationsteaching 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

To Teach (contd) 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

Magisterium Churchs 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

To Govern Bishops guide Church as Christs 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

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

Vocations: Answering Gods Call Part 2: The Three Degrees of Holy Orders

Three Degrees of Holy Orders Bishopreceives fullness of Sacrament of Holy Orders; can administer all Sacraments Priestcoworker of the bishop; ministers to specific parish, administers Sacraments Deaconcalled to serve Church; serve in pastoral ways

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 Pauls mention of apostles? How are the apostles still active in the Church today

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

The Apostles Successors (contd) 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

The Apostles Successors (contd) 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

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

Caring for a Diocese (contd) 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)

Symbols of Bishops Vocation Ringrepresents bishops 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 bishops authority Crozier (shepherds staff)represents bishops call to care for Christs flock

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

Diocesan Priests and Religious Order Priests Diocesan PriestsReligious 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

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

The Ministry of a Priest (contd) 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

The Ministry of a Priest (contd) 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

The Ministry of a Priest (contd) 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

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

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

Transitional versus Permanent Deacons Transitional DeaconsPermanent 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

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

Serving as a Deacon (contd) 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

Vocations: Answering Gods Call Part 3: The Sacrament of Holy Orders

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

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

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

Celibacy (contd) 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

Celibacy (contd) 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

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 Gods presence Active prayer life Desire to talk about faith Understanding of personal sacrifice

Necessary Personal Qualities (contd) 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

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 formationstrengthens natural virtues Spiritual formationfocuses on ones prayer life Intellectual formationlearning about the faith Pastoral formationhow to live life of a priest

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

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

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

The Seminary (contd) 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

The Seminary (contd) Final four years spent in major seminary Studies focus on theology: Dogmaticstudy of truths/teachings of the faith Moralstudy of what is right and what is sinful Spiritualstudy of prayer and spirituality Sacred Scripture Allows seminarian to understand and be able to explain the faith better

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

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

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

Ordination to the Priesthood (contd) 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

Ordination to the Priesthood (contd) 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

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

Episcopal Consecration (contd) Ceremony starts with reading of Letter from Holy See Examination of mans 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

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

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

What Is a Sacramental Character? Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders all leave irremovable mark on ones soul Fundamentally change the recipients identity Such a dramatic change can only be received once in a lifetime

What Is a Sacramental Character? (contd) 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 Gods service Man is configured to Christ in particular way

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

The Grace of the Holy Spirit (contd) 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

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

vocations: answering god’s call section 3: ordained life

Documents

priesthood of christ

person of christ slide

true priesthood slide

pentecost slide

ascension slide

salvation slide

ministry of christ

calling christ