Three levels of Holy Orders
Video Information
Find out about a priests clothing (vestments).
|
There are three degrees celebrated in the Rite of Ordination: bishop, priest and deacon. Other people choose to be consecrated to religious life (brothers and nuns), but are not ordained.
BISHOP The bishop is successor to the Apostles. Through the “laying on of hands” the bishop assumes the role of the Apostles. United with the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) the bishops exercise the same authority over the Church and role of service as did the first Apostles. Their authority comes from this expression of unity and purpose. They are the ordinary ministers of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance (Reconciliation), the Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders. Bishops also witness at marriages, where the couple are the ministers of the sacrament. It is the bishop who allows for pastoral variations in rules regarding marriage procedure. This means different parishes might have slightly different rules about what you can, or can not do. PRIEST The priest participates in the priesthood of the bishop. They work in collaboration with him and extend his ministry to the people in the bishop’s diocese. The priest carries out practical, administrative functions in the church as well exercising pastoral ministry. He is the ordinary minister of Baptism, the Eucharist, Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. On occasions, given the authority of the bishop, the priest may also confirm where the bishop is unable to do so. The priest also officiates at weddings, witnessing for the Church that the couple have exchanged vows in accord with the rite of Catholic marriage. DEACON The title deacon comes from the Greek word diakonia meaning "servant”. There are two types of deacons – permanent deacons and transitional deacons. A man may be a transitional deacon for a time period, usually between 6 and 12 months, just before he is ordained a priest. A permanent deacon is a ministry of the Word and Service, assisting the bishop and priests; preaching, baptising, officiating at weddings and funerals and presiding over the Prayer of the People of God (cf CCC 1570). They can be married, but if their wife dies, they may not remarry. They must be 35 years of age or older. Deacons can baptise, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial services outside of Mass, distribute Holy Communion, preach the homily (which is the sermon given after the Gospel at Mass), and must pray the Divine Office (Breviary) each day.
Deacons are different to acolytes or altar servers who help out the priest during Mass. Once they have been ordained, they will always have that responsibility. |
The Sacrament of Holy Orders to Priesthood
The ceremony includes many stages:
- Gathering
- Calling of the candidates
- Presentation and inquiry ( inquiring if they are approved and have prepared properly)
- Acceptance of candidates by the Bishop
- Promise of obedience
- Prayer for candidates
- Chanting of the Liturgy of the Saints ( candidates lie prostrate on the floor facing the altar)
- Laying on of hands by the Bishop
- Laying on of hands by other priests
- Anointing of the hands
- Presentation of the Gifts
- Liturgy of the Eucharist
- First priestly blessing
Becoming a Priest
Priests must be Catholic and are required to meet several spiritual and education requirements in order to be qualified for their work. Only men can be ordained in the Catholic Church.
Career Requirements
Degree Level Bachelor's degree (standard), seminary program (generally required), master's degree (optional)
Degree Field Any field is acceptable; English, philosophy, religion, communications or history may be beneficial
Key Skills Strong verbal and listening skills, knowledge of the Bible, leadership skills, religious devotion, Catholicism,
celibacy.
Salary $29,000 a year (2014)
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Catholic priests are typically required to have a bachelor's degree. The degree may be in any field of study, though it may be beneficial to pursue degrees that can easily relate to religious studies and service, such as in English, philosophy, religion, communications or history. Some seminaries, which are schools that formally educate priests and prepare them for religious life, require that incoming seminarians have undergraduate coursework in philosophy or religious studies.
Success Tips
In some Catholic churches, additional contact with the priests and church leaders may lead to becoming a formal candidate for the priesthood. For others, candidacy is more of a time of discernment and reflection for the aspiring priests. It is during this time that prospective priests typically reflect on their calling to the priesthood and decide whether this lifestyle is right for them. They may also be more involved with services and the religious community at large.
Step 3: Go to Seminary or Complete Graduate Work
Aspiring Catholic priests may attend a seminary before ordination. Some churches, like the Roman Catholic Church, may require candidates to go to seminary for four years. A seminary program offers graduate-level coursework in subjects like Biblical studies, liturgy, ethics, pastoral studies, church history and preaching. Aspiring priests may obtain a Master of Divinity or another related degree. Other churches may not strictly require their priests to receive training at a seminary. Future priests may be required to earn a graduate degree in any field, though some churches prefer candidates with a degree related to theology or religious studies.
Step 4: Become Ordained
At the conclusion of seminary training or other guided preparation for the priesthood, a candidate is generally ordained, which is sometimes called receiving the sacrament of holy orders. This may be done during a Mass celebration or through some other kind of ceremony, depending on the Catholic denomination. A priest then receives an assignment or begins living a religious life along with fellow members of their order.
Career Requirements
Degree Level Bachelor's degree (standard), seminary program (generally required), master's degree (optional)
Degree Field Any field is acceptable; English, philosophy, religion, communications or history may be beneficial
Key Skills Strong verbal and listening skills, knowledge of the Bible, leadership skills, religious devotion, Catholicism,
celibacy.
Salary $29,000 a year (2014)
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Catholic priests are typically required to have a bachelor's degree. The degree may be in any field of study, though it may be beneficial to pursue degrees that can easily relate to religious studies and service, such as in English, philosophy, religion, communications or history. Some seminaries, which are schools that formally educate priests and prepare them for religious life, require that incoming seminarians have undergraduate coursework in philosophy or religious studies.
Success Tips
- Obtain guidance from Catholic church leadership. Priests and those in leadership positions at churches can provide information about additional denomination-specific requirements for those who wish to enter the ministry. They can also provide spiritual counsel, as well as inform aspiring priests about related programs they can join while attending college.
- Become active in the church. In addition to talking with religious leaders, aspiring priests may want to increase their involvement in their Catholic community. They may participate in services administered by the church, provide religious education instruction and participate in activities like singing in the choir.
In some Catholic churches, additional contact with the priests and church leaders may lead to becoming a formal candidate for the priesthood. For others, candidacy is more of a time of discernment and reflection for the aspiring priests. It is during this time that prospective priests typically reflect on their calling to the priesthood and decide whether this lifestyle is right for them. They may also be more involved with services and the religious community at large.
Step 3: Go to Seminary or Complete Graduate Work
Aspiring Catholic priests may attend a seminary before ordination. Some churches, like the Roman Catholic Church, may require candidates to go to seminary for four years. A seminary program offers graduate-level coursework in subjects like Biblical studies, liturgy, ethics, pastoral studies, church history and preaching. Aspiring priests may obtain a Master of Divinity or another related degree. Other churches may not strictly require their priests to receive training at a seminary. Future priests may be required to earn a graduate degree in any field, though some churches prefer candidates with a degree related to theology or religious studies.
Step 4: Become Ordained
At the conclusion of seminary training or other guided preparation for the priesthood, a candidate is generally ordained, which is sometimes called receiving the sacrament of holy orders. This may be done during a Mass celebration or through some other kind of ceremony, depending on the Catholic denomination. A priest then receives an assignment or begins living a religious life along with fellow members of their order.
What about the Pope?
The Pope is also a Bishop - he is the Bishop of Rome.
Jesus Christ appointed Peter and his successors as shepherds, that is: persons looking after people and caring for them (John 21,15-17). The Pope is therefore first and foremost the Supreme Pastor. That means that he represents Christ's love and concern for every single individual. That is why the Pope's priority lies in getting to know people, understanding how they live, listening to their interests and sharing their sufferings and their joys. On no account should the Pope allow his contact with ordinary people to be obstructed by a multitude of administrative duties.
Jesus Christ appointed Peter and his successors as shepherds, that is: persons looking after people and caring for them (John 21,15-17). The Pope is therefore first and foremost the Supreme Pastor. That means that he represents Christ's love and concern for every single individual. That is why the Pope's priority lies in getting to know people, understanding how they live, listening to their interests and sharing their sufferings and their joys. On no account should the Pope allow his contact with ordinary people to be obstructed by a multitude of administrative duties.
|
Pope Francis talks about being called to be a priest...
|
Why is this Sacrament called "Orders"?
Catechism of the Catholic Church
1537 “The word order in Roman antiquity designated an established civil body, especially a governing body. Ordinatio means incorporation into an ordo. In the Church there are established bodies which Tradition, not without a basis in Sacred Scripture, has since ancient times called taxeis (Greek) or ordines. And so the liturgy speaks of the ordo episcoporum, the ordo presbyterorum, the ordo diaconorum. Other groups also receive this name of ordo: catechumens, virgins, spouses, widows,. . . .
1538 Integration into one of these bodies in the Church was accomplished by a rite called ordinatio, a religious and liturgical act which was a consecration, a blessing or a sacrament. Today the word "ordination" is reserved for the sacramental act which integrates a man into the order of bishops, presbyters, or deacons, and goes beyond a simple election, designation, delegation, or institution by the community, for it confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a "sacred power" (sacra potestas) which can come only from Christ himself through his Church. Ordination is also called consecratio, for it is a setting apart and an investiture by Christ himself for his Church. The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible sign of this ordination”. Catechism of the Catholic Church http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
“The priesthood of the ordained priest and the priesthood exercised by the baptised are both directed towards and find their meaning in the one priesthood of Christ “(LG 10). The priesthood which results from ordination differs from that of the laity, since ordination is a sharing in the apostolic ministry and the one ordained represents Christ as head and shepherd of His Church.
'Through the ordained ministry, especially that of bishops and priests, the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the community of believers.' (CCC 1549) In the Catholic Church the Sacrament of Holy Orders is reserved for men.
1537 “The word order in Roman antiquity designated an established civil body, especially a governing body. Ordinatio means incorporation into an ordo. In the Church there are established bodies which Tradition, not without a basis in Sacred Scripture, has since ancient times called taxeis (Greek) or ordines. And so the liturgy speaks of the ordo episcoporum, the ordo presbyterorum, the ordo diaconorum. Other groups also receive this name of ordo: catechumens, virgins, spouses, widows,. . . .
1538 Integration into one of these bodies in the Church was accomplished by a rite called ordinatio, a religious and liturgical act which was a consecration, a blessing or a sacrament. Today the word "ordination" is reserved for the sacramental act which integrates a man into the order of bishops, presbyters, or deacons, and goes beyond a simple election, designation, delegation, or institution by the community, for it confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a "sacred power" (sacra potestas) which can come only from Christ himself through his Church. Ordination is also called consecratio, for it is a setting apart and an investiture by Christ himself for his Church. The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible sign of this ordination”. Catechism of the Catholic Church http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
“The priesthood of the ordained priest and the priesthood exercised by the baptised are both directed towards and find their meaning in the one priesthood of Christ “(LG 10). The priesthood which results from ordination differs from that of the laity, since ordination is a sharing in the apostolic ministry and the one ordained represents Christ as head and shepherd of His Church.
'Through the ordained ministry, especially that of bishops and priests, the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the community of believers.' (CCC 1549) In the Catholic Church the Sacrament of Holy Orders is reserved for men.
Nuns in the Catholic Church
The Ceremony for two nuns taking their final vows.
|
What is a nun?
|
Why become a nun?
How old do you have to be to become a nun?
|
Women cannot be ordained and receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders - but they can still devote their lives to Jesus.
The terms "nun" and "sister" are often used interchangeably. However within Roman Catholicism, there is a difference between the two. Here's a simple summary of the differences. A Catholic nun is a woman who lives as a contemplative life in a monastery which is usually cloistered (or enclosed) or semi-cloistered. Her ministry and prayer life is centered within and around the monastery for the good of the world. She professes the perpetual solemn vows living a life according to the evangelical counsels of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. A Catholic sister is a woman who lives, ministers, and prays within the world. A sister's life is often called "active" or "apostolic" because she is engaged in the works of mercy and other ministries that take the Gospel to others where they are. She professes perpetual simple vows living a life according to the evangelical counsels of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. Because both nuns and sisters belong to the church life form of Religious Life, they can also be called "women religious." |
What are monks and brothers?
Monk
A monk is a person who practices religious asceticism, living either alone or with any number of other monks. A monk may be a person who decided to dedicate his life to serving all other living beings, or to be an ascetic who voluntarily chooses to leave mainstream society and live his life in prayer and contemplation. The concept is ancient and can be seen in many religions and in philosophy.
(ascetic - a person who leads an austerely simple life, especially one who abstains from the normal pleasures of life or denies himself or herself material satisfaction.)
Religious Brother
A monk is a person who practices religious asceticism, living either alone or with any number of other monks. A monk may be a person who decided to dedicate his life to serving all other living beings, or to be an ascetic who voluntarily chooses to leave mainstream society and live his life in prayer and contemplation. The concept is ancient and can be seen in many religions and in philosophy.
(ascetic - a person who leads an austerely simple life, especially one who abstains from the normal pleasures of life or denies himself or herself material satisfaction.)
Religious Brother
- Is called and committed to sharing in the life and mission of his Religious Congregation
- Nourishes and fosters his relationship with God through personal and communal prayer, and service
- Lives a vow of chastity, living celibately, which means choosing a different way of loving ~ which allows him to be available to many people, loving and caring for them deeply, but non-exclusively
- Lives a vow of poverty, living simply and sharing his personal gifts, time and resources with his community, and those with whom he ministers.
- Lives a vow of obedience, listening attentively for God's call to respond to the needs of our world, which he discerns through prayer, through dialogue with his community and with other people
- May serve as a missionary to people of other cultures
- May serve in education, health care, parish or youth ministry, social work, spirituality, media, aged care. Some brothers choose to live as contemplatives
- May be commissioned by his community to serve wherever there is any need, especially among those who are the most disadvantaged
- May be a member of a Clerical Religious Congregation and is not ordained to the priesthood.