Holy Orders

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)
• 2. Celebration of Ordination
• 3. Essential elements (CCC, 1572-1574)
  • a. Imposition of hands
  • b. Spoken prayer of consecration
• 4. Effects
  • a. Indelible character; this Sacrament cannot be repeated. (CCC, 1581-1584)
  • b. Grace of the Holy Spirit (CCC, 1585-1589)
• 5. Requirements for reception
• 6. Minister of the Sacrament: bishop (CCC, 1575-1576)
• 7. Implications
• 8. Appropriating and living this Sacrament
  • a. prayer for more vocations to the priesthood (CCC, 1548)
  • b. praying for bishops, priests and deacons (CCC, 1547)
  • c. offering help and support to bishops, priests and deacons (CCC, 1547)