Teachers.io

Spring 2018

Feb. 24, 2018

Congratulations on a great retreat! Now back to work: Please copy these notes into your notebooks. We should have taken them Thursday:

4. What are the Matter, Form, and Minister of Holy Orders?

Matter: Laying on of hands by the ordaining bishop
Form: A specific consecratory prayer asking God for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the gifts particular to the degree of the man ordained
A different prayer for deacons, priests, bishops
Minister: Always a validly ordained bishop

Rite of Ordination

For priests, their hands are anointed with Chrism Oil, just as altars are anointed
For a Bishop, his head is anointed
Deacons and priests make a promise of obedience

5. What are the effects of the Sacrament of Holy Orders?

Configures the man to Christ so that he may serve the Church as Christês instrument
Confers a specific office: Deacon, Priest, Bishop
Imprints an indelible seal or character on the soul that can never be removed
Grants a particular Grace to each level:
Bishops: Strength, prudence, and love in leadership that impels him to proclaim the Gospel to all, even if it costs him his life

Bishops & Priests: Grace to proclaim the gospel, offer spiritual gifts and sacrifices, to celebrate the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and to preside over other liturgies
Deacons: Grace to dedicate themselves to the faithful -in the service (diakonia) of the liturgy, of the Gospel, and works of charity"
Only priests and bishops act in persona Christi while deacons are ordained to Christ the servant

Why Celibacy?

Celibacy may seem like a burden, but it is actually a great gift
The model for priestly celibacy is Christ Himself
Our Lord taught that celibacy for the good of the Kingdom of Heaven was a great gift (Mt 19:11-12)

The Apostles imitated Christ's celibacy and dedicated themselves entirely to spreading the Good News.