Chapter EightSacrament of Holy Orders

When Abram was 75 years old he heard Gods voice.

Moses heard God call out to him from a bush.

Young Samuel was spoken to in a dream

God continues today to call all Christians to his service and some men to his priestly serviceHearing Gods Voice

With shrinking numbers of priests, the Church is initiating many efforts to encourage vocations to the priesthood

Vocation programs offer opportunities for teenagers to explore priesthood or religious life by participating in programs or shadowing priestsHearing Gods Voice

Signs for a man to gauge a possible vocation to the priesthood:Call to PriesthoodImproving prayer lifeAttending mass and other sacraments more oftenSpending more time in churchFinds himself fighting thoughts of becoming a priest but cannot ignore themFeels he may regret not pursuing the initial steps of a vocation

A man who is discerning a call to the priesthood must be a believer and recognize Gods voice in his life Some ways in which a man can facilitate and maintain dialogue with God involving the decision: Going to daily mass Setting aside regularly scheduled time for prayer Volunteering in a parish Research Speaking with a spiritual director Trying out another career Participating in a discernment program Practicing the virtues

Responding to the Call

Aspirancy Once a man decides to make a formal inquiry to be a candidate for the priesthood, he will undergo a series of interviews to determine his sense of calling and to see if he meets some requirementsThis takes place over 4-5 months

The formal application process also includes a written application and several letters of recommendation

Applying to Candidacy

Requirements

Mature male

Completed Christian initiation

Willingly and knowingly wishes to be ordainedApplying to Candidacy

Human Formation Basis of all priestly formationMust be developed so he is affable, hospitable, sincere, prudent, generous, encouraging, understanding, and forgivingSpiritual Formation Candidate must form an intimate friendship with Jesus Christ Centers on the priest learning to live the Paschal Mystery in his own lifePreparing for Ordination

Intellectual Formation Study theology and philosophy in order to gain a deep understanding of what it means to be human Understand Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition handed down by MagisteriumPastoral Formation Goal of entire formation Priests formed in pastoral ministry so as to make them shepherds of souls in imitation of Jesus Christ, the Good ShepherdPreparing for Ordination

A seminary is a house of prayer, study, and formation

During the week, a seminarians day begins with morning prayer from Liturgy of the Hours

Afternoons are less structured with a chance for exercise or individual study

There are many meetings in which the seminarian must attend, and attendance at daily mass is a requirementLife in the Seminary

Ordinations of the bishop, priests, and deacons all take place within the Eucharistic liturgy

Initial rites of ordination begin after the Gospel where the election of the man takes place and the bishop asks for the consent of all the people

The bishop talks about the duties of the priest including:

Teaching Sanctifying Shepherding

Celebration of the Sacrament

After the homily, the candidate stands before the bishop and is questioned on his resolution to fulfill the duties of the priesthood

All of the priests lay their hands on the candidates head in silence while the bishop recites the prayer of consecrationCelebration of the Sacrament

As with all the sacraments, Holy Orders deepens the life of Jesus in the ordained man who is called to serve Him and provides the wisdom and fortitude to live as an ordained minister throughout his life

Vocabulary CYO Liturgy of the Hours Religious Superior Lectio Divina Charism Alb Litany of the Saints Stole Chasuble Apostolic Letter