The Sacrament of Holy Orders
There are generally four conditions that need to be met before a man can become a priest:
1. The desire to become a priest
2. They must be a suitable character to become a priest
3. They need the necessary intelligence to complete their required studies
4. They must be recommended for the priesthood by a Bishop or the superior if they belong to a
religious order
The Diaconate (The role taken by a deacon)
Before a person can become a Priest they are firstly ordained to the Diaconate and take on a vow of celibacy. Some people also become permanent deacons, they can be married but they do not become priests. Traditionally a deacon would help the bishop but they would normally serve in a Parish today.
| Ceremony of ordination for the diaconate Similar to that of a priest (See below) The Bishop lays his hands in silence, and then says a prayer of ordination. The deacon is given a stole and a garment called a 'dalmatic'. He is given the book of the Gospels.
The Priesthood the ceremony of ordination 1. The presentation of the priest for ordination 2. The bishop's homily explaining the priesthood 3. The examination or questioning of the candidate 4. The promise of obedience by the candidate to the Bishop 5. The litany of saints and the congregation's prayer 6. The laying on of hands, in silence, by the Bishop and other priests 7. The prayer of consecration 8. The investiture of the new priest with stole and Chasuble 9. The anointing of the hands of the new priest by the Bishop 10. The presentation of the bread and wine (patern and chalice) by the Bishop to the new priest. 11. The sign of peace 12. The concelebration of Mass by the new priest with the bishop and other priests
Ordination of a Bishop A Bishop is ordained by other Bishops Laying on of hands Anointing with Chrism He is given the Gospel-book, the ring, the mitre, the crosier and lead to the Bishops chair |
The role of a deacon: 1. He may proclaim the Gospel at Mass 2. He may preach the homily at Mass 3. He may lead public prayers such as devotions or morning and evening prayer 4. He may baptise 5. He may assist at marriages 6. He may distribute Holy Communion 7. He may conduct a funeral service 8. He cannot say Mass of hear confession
The role of a priest God man his entire people a royal priesthood in Christ, but he chose some of his followers to carry out a special priestly ministry in his name. They continue, with the Bishops, to carry out Christ's mission on earth. Summary: 1. To proclaim and preach the Gospel 2. To consecrate the bread and wine offered at Mass 3. To celebrate the sacraments in the Parish 4. To care for the needs of the people in the parish, especially by showing people what they can do for each other 5. To assist the Bishop at confirmations 6. to assist the bishop at ordinations 7. To consecrate himself to God, to be a holy man.
The role of a Bishop His function is to proclaim the Gospel, guard the faith handed down by the Apostles; to act for the whole church with all the other Bishops; to obey the pope; to care for the people and the clergy; to be a good shepherd to God's people |