Sacrament of holy orders

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Sacrament of Holy Ordersby Ronald Zacarias

Sacrament of Holy Orders

Holy Orders is a sacrament through which men are marked with an indelible character and constituted Sacred ministers-bishops, priests and deacons- to teach, sanctify, and govern the faithful in the person of Christ the Head.

Before Vatican II

Vatican Caouncil II

The minor orders are no longer called ordination but rather they are properly called ministries in the Church.

Before the conferral of this ministry is also called ordination.

Today the conferral of this ministry is called institution or installation

Vatican Caouncil II

Subdiaconate today no longer exists in the Roman Catholic Church.

The function of subdeacon in the old rite is now the function of the duly instituted acolyte.

Ministry

Those who are preparing for the ordained ministry of priesthood. They need to pass through the ministries of lectors and acolytesas stated by Canon Law.

Canon 1035 (1) Before anyone my be promoted to the diaconate whether permanent or transitory, he must received the ministries of lector and acolyte, and have exercise them for an appropriate time.

(2) Between the conferring ministry of acolyte and the diaconate there is to be an interval of at least six months.

Ministry of Lectors

Ministry of Acolytes

Major Orders (Deacon)

The ordination of deacons - "in order to serve"

"At a lower level of the hierarchy are to be found deacons, who receive the imposition of hands 'not unto the priesthood, but unto the ministry."' At an ordination to the diaconate only the bishop lays hands on the candidate, thus signifying the deacon's special attachment to the bishop in the tasks of his "diakonia."

Major Orders (Priest)

The ordination of priests - co-workers of the bishops

"The priests, prudent cooperators of the episcopal college and its support and instrument, called to the service of the People of God, constitute, together with their bishop, a unique sacerdotal college (presbyterium) dedicated, it is, true to a variety of distinct duties. In each local assembly of the faithful they represent, in a certain sense, the bishop, with whom they are associated in all trust and generosity; in part they take upon themselves his duties and solicitude and in their daily toils discharge them."

Major Orders (Bishop)

Episcopal ordination- fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders

"Among those various offices which have been exercised in the Church from the earliest times the chief place, according to the witness of tradition, is held by the function of those who, through their appointment to the dignity and responsibility of bishop, and in virtue consequently of the unbroken succession going back to the beginning, are regarded as transmitters of the apostolic line."

Common and Ministerial Priesthood

Common/Royal

Shared by all the baptized Christians by the virtue of the threefold ministry of Christ (priest, prophet and king)

Ministerial

Those who are in the hierarchy; the deacons, priests and bishops.

They are ordained for the service of the common/royal priesthood

When did Christ institute the Sacrament of Holy Orders?

During the Last Supper:

What are the effects of Ordination to the priesthood?

a. An increase of sanctifying grace;b. Sacramental grace through which

the priest receives God’s constant help in his sacred ministry.

c. A lasting indelible character, which is a special sharing in the priesthood of Christ and which gives the priest special supernatural powers.

What are the chief supernatural powers of the priest?

a. To change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.

b. To forgive sins in the sacrament of Penance

Minister of Holy Orders

The Bishop

Matter and Form

Matter

a. Imposition/Laying on of hands

b. Prayer of Ordination/Consecratory prayer

Conditions required to receive Holy Orders worthily

a.Candidates should be male baptized catholic

b. Candidate must be in the state of grace.c. He must have the prescribed age and learningd. Must have the intention of devoting his life to the sacred ministry (free from coercion)e. Must be called to the Holy Orders by his bishop or proper ecclessiastical superior.

Sacrament of holy orders

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