SACRAMENT OF SERVICE
Holy Orders
Consecrated to God’s People The meaning of Ordination
Baptized men are ordained for permanent ministry in the Church as Bishops, priests, or deacons○ Ordo- a person joined to a certain group, or order
The Priesthood of the Old CovenantTribe of Levi “their heritage was God”Honored God with sacrifice and prayerPrefigures the ordained ministry of todayRite refers to priesthood of Old Testament
Jesus fulfills the Old CovenantJesus is the new “High Priest” (heaven is the sanctuary)Jesus institutes the Church through which the sacrament of
Holy Orders flows- Jesus passes his authority and mission to the Church
Priesthood of the New Covenant
Melchizdek’s priesthood prefigures the priesthood of Christ.Offered bread and wine
One mediator between God and the human race
Gave himself as an offering for all Different from the call of all to the common
priesthoodTeach the faithfulLead divine worshipGoverning the Church
Representatives of Christ
Makes the presence of Christ known asHigh priestShepherdTeacher
Ordained for service not privilegeWashing of the feet
Degrees of Ordination The Bishop
Office of the EpiscopateAlthough the Pope is a Bishop, the office of the
Pope is called the Papacy. The Priest
Office of Presbyter The Deacon
Office of Deaconate
Episcopate (Episcopacy) The role of Bishop
Receives the fullness of Holy OrdersEpiscopal ordination (episcopate)Member of the college of bishopsVisible head of the dioceseIn the line of apostolic succession that extends to
the apostles and therefore Christ*Acts in “persona Christi” the person of ChristMust be approved by the Pope
Presbyterium The role of the Priest
Co-worker of the BishopResponsible to a particular Church or parish
○ Head of the parish is the “pastor”Obedient to the assignment given to him by the
Bishop of the diocese*Acts in “persona Christi” the person of ChristCelebrates liturgical prayer
○ Mass○ Sacraments (except Holy Orders, Confirmation)○ Liturgy of the Hours (daily)
Aka “Breviary”
Deaconate The role of the Deacon
Comes from the Greek word “diakonia” which means service.
Give service to the Church○ Charity and good works○ Liaison between the priest and the community○ Ministry of the Word○ Assists at the Liturgy
Types○ Transitional
On the way to the priesthood
○ Permanent Intend to remain deaconsCan be married but can not marry after ordination
Sacramental Rite
Essential elements:Word
○ Prayer of consecration specific to the orderAction
○ Laying on of hands
Celebrant/ MinisterBishop
Vows Celibacy
Do not marry○ No romantic or sexual relationships
ObedienceLaws of GodTo PopeLocal bishopTo their
NO vow of poverty
Graces of the Sacrament The Grace of the Holy Spirit
Sacramental grace○ Bishop
StrengthModel
○ PriestModelPortray Christ
○ Deacon Charity
The character of ordination is foreverUnder very serious or special circumstances an
ordained minister may be released of his duty and responsibility but does not become a lay person.
Last Supper
Passover celebration Institution of the Eucharist Commission of the Apostles to the
priesthood
