Vocations: Answering Gods Call Section 3: Ordained Life
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Part 1 Serving the Church through Ordained Ministry
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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
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Christ, the High Priest (contd) Melchizedek = first priest
mentioned in Old Testament Not much known about him Frequently
mentioned as symbol for true priesthood
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Art. 24: A Threefold Ministry Three aspects of a bishops
ministry: Teach Govern Sanctify
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Vocations: Answering Gods Call Part 2: The Three Degrees of
Holy Orders
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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The Ministry of a Priest Rooted firmly in Jesus Christ Fullest
expression in preaching of Gospel and administration of
Sacraments
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Vocations: Answering Gods Call Part 3: The Sacrament of Holy
Orders
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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
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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
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Celibacy Bishops, priests, transitional deacons, unmarried
permanent deacons all commit to celibacy Required to give
themselves fully to God for sake of the Kingdom
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Seminary Life Various forms of personal and communal prayer
Daily Mass Meetings with spiritual director Yearly retreat
Class/homework Free time
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Article 31: The Effects of the Sacrament When man is ordained,
his soul is forever changed He is marked with permanent
seal/character
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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