Holy OrdersOrdination of Clergy Members

What are Holy Orders?

It is the sacrament or rite of ordination (to become) as a member of the Christian clergy

Examples include: bishop, priest, or deacon.

God Calls Certain People

Certain members are called by God to a special service of the community

These servants are chosen and ordained through the sacrament of holy orders, by which the Holy Spirit enables them to act in the person of Christ, for all members of the Church

Why is Priesthood Important?

Through Priesthood, Christ continues to built and lead His Church. (CCC 1547)

Catholic priesthood does not “compete with” or “replace” Christ, but rather it is sharing in his ministry

Jesus is the High Priest and calls his Apostles and disciples the first priests. He gives them authority to teach and sanctify, and sends them into the world on a mission to transmit this priesthood

Origin of the Church "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my

Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (Matt. 16:18).

The origin of the Catholic Church is traced to this origin. It was the will of Christ to found a Church, to teach and spread His good word.

Jesus formed His Church as a community with the twelve apostles and Peter as their head. Peter became the first pope and there has been a lineage of popes for the past 2000s years leading up to the present pope Francis

St. Peter’s Basilica

Floor Above St. Peter’s Tomb

Requirements for Holy Orders

You must:- Be a baptized male of excellent character.

- Have an interior and exterior calling or vocation from God.

- Have necessary knowledge of the nature of Holy Orders.

- Be the proper age, at least 25 years.

- Have a commitment to lifelong celibacy, except for permanent deacons.

- Study theology and be trained in his profession. Usually requires multiple degrees and about 7 years of study.

3 Levels of Authority

1. Bishops:They have the greatest authority in their diocese and have the power to ordain men into priesthood, and to offer the Sacrament of Confirmation (but they can instruct priests to do so).

Symbols: Mitre (Tall Headdress)

2. Priests The duties and powers of the priest are to

celebrate Eucharist at Mass and offer Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Communion, Marriage, Last Rites. (Note: Confirmation is performed if instructed by the Bishop)

Symbols: Chasuble (Sleeveless garment worn during mass) Chalice filled with wine, Eucharist

3. Deacons They help priests and Bishops, and to read the

Gospel at Mass.

Symbols: Dalmatic (Wide sleeved and loose garment) and the Stole (long scarf that hangs past the knee)

Priests Clothing

Ever wondered why priests wear different Chasbules? They each represent different liturgical seasons throughout the year

Purple = Advent and Lent (signifies penance)

Green = Ordinary Time (signifies growth and hope)

White = Christmas, Easter, Weddings and Baptisms (signifies purity, light and resurrection)

(There are others as well but these are the most common)

Other Faiths

Some Protestants dispute Catholic teachings. They believe that Jesus is the High Priest, therefore there is no need of any other priests.

The Bible clearly shows many different examples where Jesus shares his priesthood.

Ex: Jesus’ Ascension – Mark 16:20-22

“And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed. […] And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west an imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation”

Question:

Why are there so many difficulties with recruiting young men and women into the Holy Orders?

What would make you want to consider this vocation?