Sacraments 101: Holy Orders (what ordination means)

Summary

This video explains the sacrament of Holy Orders and its significance in the Catholic Church. It highlights the priesthood of all believers, emphasizing that all Catholics share in Christ's mission, but some are specifically called to the sacramental priesthood through ordination. The video explores the roles of deacons, priests, and bishops, and the rituals involved in ordination, such as vows of obedience and celibacy. The sacrament is described as an indelible mark on the soul, requiring years of discernment, training, and humility. Ultimately, it emphasizes the lifelong commitment of ordained ministry and the importance of serving the Church and its people.

Takeaways

• 😀 All Catholics share in Christ's priestly, prophetic, and kingly mission through baptism.
• 😀 The sacrament of Holy Orders continues the mission entrusted to Christ's apostles and is essential for the Church's sacramental life.
• 😀 Holy Orders is a lifelong commitment, requiring years of training, discernment, and spiritual preparation.
• 😀 The sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred through the laying on of hands by the bishop, invoking the Holy Spirit.
• 😀 There are three degrees of ordained ministry in the Catholic Church: deacons, priests, and bishops.
• 😀 Deacons assist in various roles and can perform sacraments like baptism and marriage.
• 😀 Priests are responsible for the spiritual care of local parishes, including celebrating the Eucharist and other sacraments.
• 😀 Bishops hold ultimate authority in dioceses, ordain others, and confirm the faithful.
• 😀 The ordination ceremony includes rituals like the prostration of the candidate, symbolizing humility and reliance on God's support.
• 😀 Priests take vows of celibacy and obedience, dedicating their lives to universal service and the Church.
• 😀 Holy Orders involves a deep spiritual journey, where those called to ordination answer God's call to serve His people.

Q & A

What is the difference between the 'priesthood of all believers' and the sacramental priesthood?

The 'priesthood of all believers' refers to the call all Catholics receive through baptism to share in Christ's mission as priest, prophet, and king. In contrast, the sacramental priesthood is a specific calling within the Church, where ordained priests function in the person of Christ, especially in celebrating the sacraments.

What is the sacrament of Holy Orders?

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles is continued in the Church. It is conferred through ordination, where individuals are called to serve in the Church as deacons, priests, or bishops.

What does 'ordination' mean and why is it significant?

Ordination comes from the Latin word 'ordinatio,' meaning 'to incorporate into an order.' It signifies placing a person in a specific role within the Church, reflecting their calling to a life of service in the ordained ministry.

What are the key responsibilities of priests in the Catholic Church?

Priests are responsible for the spiritual care of their local communities. They celebrate the Eucharist, administer sacraments like baptism, marriage, and confession, and offer spiritual guidance to the faithful.

Why is the sacrament of Holy Orders considered to leave an indelible mark on the soul?

Holy Orders is considered to leave an indelible mark because it permanently changes the individual, marking them as part of the ordained ministry. This transformation reflects the lifelong commitment to the priesthood.

How does the process of discernment relate to entering the priesthood?

Discernment is a spiritual journey in which individuals reflect on their calling and determine whether God is calling them to the priesthood. It involves self-reflection, prayer, and guidance from others in the Church.

Why do Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy?

Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy as a way to dedicate themselves entirely to the service of the Church and its people, choosing a life of universal love and availability to all, rather than focusing on a specific family or relationship.

What is the significance of the laying on of hands during ordination?

The laying on of hands is a key part of the ordination ceremony. It symbolizes the conferring of the Holy Spirit and the empowerment of the individual to carry out their ordained duties. The bishop lays hands on the candidate, and other priests also participate in this ritual to show their unity in the priesthood.

How does the Church ensure continuity of the priesthood established by Christ?

The Church ensures continuity by following the example of Christ and the apostles, who chose successors. Through Holy Orders, the priesthood is passed down, with bishops ordaining new priests to continue the Church's mission until Christ's return.

What roles do deacons, priests, and bishops play in the Catholic Church?

Deacons assist bishops and priests and can perform baptisms and marriages. Priests lead local parishes, celebrate Eucharist, and offer other sacraments. Bishops are responsible for teaching the faith and overseeing multiple parishes within a diocese, holding ultimate authority in spiritual matters.