Holy Orders: the Sacrament through which a man is made a bishop, priest or deacon, and is given the grace and power to fulfill the responsibilities of the order to which he is ordained.
- 1. Understanding the Sacrament
- a. Scriptural basis (Mt 16:18 ff; Mt 28:19-20; Lk. 6:12-16; Mk. 3:14-19) (CCC, 1577).
- 1) Jesus consecrates his followers at the Last Supper (Jn. 17)
- 2) To remember him, Jesus commanded his followers, “Do this in memory of me.” His Apostles continued to celebrate the Eucharist as ordained ministers.
- b. Historical development-Instituted by Christ (CCC, 874)
- c. Theology (CCC, 1539-1553)
- a. Scriptural basis (Mt 16:18 ff; Mt 28:19-20; Lk. 6:12-16; Mk. 3:14-19) (CCC, 1577).
- 2. Celebration of Ordination
- 3. Essential elements (CCC, 1572-1574)
- a. Imposition of hands
- b. Spoken prayer of consecration
- 4. Effects
- 5. Requirements for reception
- 6. Minister of the Sacrament: bishop (CCC, 1575-1576)
- 7. Implications
- 8. Appropriating and living this Sacrament