What do these three all have in common ?
What are their differences ?
Deacon
Priest
Bishop
Holy Orders
(the Ordained Ministry)
Holy Orders
To K what being Priesthood involves
To U why taking Holy Orders is
important
To reflect on why some Christians take
Holy Orders
Video: Called to Priesthood
What work does he
do as a priest ?
“You did not choose Me, no, I chose you,
and I commissioned you…” Jn 15:16
Why are Holy Orders important ?
• God wants it: a call from God they
couldn’t ignore
• A way of showing Vocation (the 3
signs?)
• Sharing in Christ’s mission in a
special way, to build up the
Kingdom of God:
– Teaching / preaching
– Celebrating the sacraments: giving
spiritual strength, healing &
nourishment.
– Serving the needs of the people of his
parish as an ordained minister.
Which, if
any, of these
reasons
helps to
explain the
requirement
for celibacy
(for a priest
or bishop?)
Explain what Priesthood means,
using the quotes below.
• Luke 22:19
• Matthew 20:26-28
• John 20:19-23
• Hebrews 5:1, 4
Which of these descriptions sums up for you the
essence of what priesthood is about ? Explain.
Luke 22:19
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to
them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in
remembrance of me.”
Matthew 20:26-28
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to
give his life as a ransom for many.
John 20:19-23
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he
breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Those
whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; those whose sins you
do not forgive, they are not forgiven.”
Hebrews 5:1, 4
• 1 1Every high priest is selected from among the people …to
represent them before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for
sins... 4 And no one takes this honour on himself, but he
receives it when called by God.
Exam Questions
“Holy Orders are the most important vocation”
Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
Give reasons why someone may disagree with
you. (6marks)
Why does the Catholic Church need priests?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
(4marks)
Too many Christians in the
boat…
Hot Seat!
Prove your worth to the boat
captain (interviewer) by
answering questions about:
• your role
• why you are of essential
importance to the Church
Class:
You can phone a friend …
•
•
•
•
Lay Christian
Active Nun
Priest
Bishop