Holy Orders A Sacrament of Vocation What is

Holy Orders A Sacrament of Vocation

What is a Vocation? • A calling from God • Asks the question…where is God calling me to be? Who is God calling me to be? • A vocation is not limited to priests and religious.

Holy Orders as a vocation • Sacrament of Service • The sacrament of Holy Orders celebrates a person’s vocation to follow God and be a role model of the faith. • People can be ordained as Priests, Bishops, Deacons.

Based on Jesus • Holy Orders celebrates the ministry of Jesus as. . • Priest • Prophet • Servant- Leader

Priest • Jesus was viewed as the High Priest of the faith. • Jewish High Priests were responsible for offering sacrifices…Jesus offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for us. • This is the basis of the Eucharist, and this is why only ordained Priests may consecrate the bread and wine.

Prophet • A prophet is someone who reminds people about God and the way of God. • Jesus was the ultimate prophet, and this is why we say that those receiving Holy Orders are continuing the prophetic voice of Jesus.

Servant-Leader • Jesus was, as St. Ignatius said, “ A man for others. ” • He did not care about fame, power, glory, money, etc. • He cared about always putting others before Himself and living according to His Father. • He led people by serving them. This is what we are called to do.

3 Orders • Laying on of hands—communicates empowerment by the Spirit and a solemn prayer. • Bishop—head anointed with oil, they are given a ring, a miter (Bishop’s hat), a shepherd’s staff • Priests—anoint hands with oil, presented with a paten and chalice, signs of their role within the Eucharist • Deacons—receive a book of Gospels, a symbol of their ministry of preaching

Functions of the Ordained • Bishop- successors of the Apostles, Bishops perform all priestly functions as well as diocesan governance. • Priest- lead worship and sacraments, teach, minister to community (usually a parish). • Deacon- help bishops and priests carry out their duties including: proclaiming the Gospel, assisting with Eucharist, presiding at baptisms, marriages, and funerals and many other works of charity and compassion.