Holy Orders Sacraments of Service o There are

Holy Orders

Sacraments of Service o There are two sacraments of service: o A. Holy Orders o B. Holy Matrimony

Holy Orders o Is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the church until the end of time; thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. o It involves the laying on of a hand, with a prayer asking God to give the powers and ministry of a bishop, priest and deacon.

Consecration o This word comes from the Latin. o It means: o A. To set aside for a holy purpose o Through this consecration or ordination the minister of God serves the Church by word and deed.

Jesus the Son of God o Jesus is the perfect mediator o The perfect High priest o Through Jesus a new covenant is established. o A perfect sacrifice is offered o A new people is formed o A new covenant is created

The Priest o The priest is ordained (incorporated) to act in the person of Christ. o The priest makes present Jesus’ ministry and actions through the ministerial priesthood

The Priest o Through the ministerial priesthood the priest offers: o A. Prayers during the Liturgy o B. Represents Christ and the Church o C. Sanctify us o D. Offers the sacraments o E. Leads the community of faith.

St. Thomas on the Priesthood o A. Only Christ is the true High Priest o B. All others are ministers of Christ o The priesthood in the O. T announces Christ. o The priesthood in the N. T acts in the person of Christ.

Priesthood of believers o Like Christ we are anointed priest, prophet, and Kings o Through baptism we receive the priesthood of all believers.

Priesthood of Believers o Prophet: To announce and to denounce o Priest: We have the ability to offer prayers and spiritual sacrifices to God, (holiness) o King: We share the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of heaven

Priesthood of believers o Given to all who are baptized o We are all call: o A. to serve God and neighbor o B. To be witnesses o C. To live a holy life acceptable to God.

Ministerial priesthood o Is at the service of the common priesthood of believers. o It sanctifies the people of God, through the sacraments, word and deeds

Holy Orders o Jesus Chose Apostles (those who are sent) o To continue his ministry on earth o He gave them the power to act in his name.

Holy Orders o The sacrament of mission through which Christ continues his presence through the ministry of the Bishop and priest. o This ministry is exercise until the end of time.

There are three degrees or orders o Episcopate = Bishop o Presbyterate = Priest o Diaconate = Deacon

Bishops o Episcopos = overseer o A. has the fullness of the priesthood o B. has the power to ordain, to teach, to rule o C. Successors of the Apostles o D. With the Pope guide the people of God to holiness, truth and the experience of God (Magisterium).

Priest o Presbyter = elder o Priest are incorporated into the priesthood of Christ o A. They represent the bishop (subordinates) o B. They have the power to preach, and celebrate the sacraments and lead the people in worship.

Deacons o There are two types o Transitional = those studying for the priesthood (celibate) o Permanent = Married or single Men who wish to serve the Church as ministers o Deacons do not share in the priesthood. They are ordain to ministry (service).

Deacons o Some of the Deacon’s functions are: o Preach o Baptize o Proclaim the word of God o Witness marriage union o Lead funerals o Assist the Bishop or the priest in the liturgy o Serve as chaplains

Sunday o The day of the Lord is the perfect day for the celebration of Holy Orders o The faithful is invited to participate at ordinations.

Effects o Strength o Grace o INDELABLE MARK = to act in the person of Christ

The End