Holy Orders and Priestly Ministry Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing roles, requirements, vestments, titles, and pillars of formation in Holy Orders.

Primary Role of a Priest

To preach the word of God and administer sacraments (all five except Confirmation and Holy Orders).

Three Ministries of the Deacon

Word, Sacraments, and Charity.

Three Ministries of the Priest

Teach, Sanctify, and Govern (the same as a bishop).

First Priests and Bishops

The Apostles, who were ordained at the Last Supper.

First Deacons

Seven men (Stephen, Philip, Prochorus / Pib chorus, Nicanor / Mi Canor, Timon / Amon, Parmenas / parmena, and Nicolas / nicola) ordained in Jerusalem when the apostles were overwhelmed and needed help.

Four Stages of Seminary

1. Propaedeutic Stage (Propciod elHhic Stage), 2. Discipleship Stage, 3. Configuration Stage, 4. Vocational Synthesis.

Priest Eligibility Requirements

Must be a baptized man at least 25 years old who completed 4 years of college and seminary school.

Dalmatic

The vestment worn by a deacon at ordination.

Chasuble

The vestment worn by a priest.

Book of Gospels

An item given to a deacon upon ordination, commissioning him to preach.

Chalice

A sacred vessel received by a priest at ordination.

Crosier

The staff belonging to a bishop.

Miter

The hat worn by a bishop.

Apostolic Succession

The uninterrupted passing on of apostolic preaching and authority from Apostles directly to all bishops.

Diaconate

The vocation and ministry of a deacon.

Diocesan Bishop

The Chief Shepherd of a diocese.

Episcopate

The office of a bishop.

Magisterium

The office of bishops in communion with the pope.

Presbyterate

Name given to a priest or a group of priests, especially in a diocese.

Bishop

Head of a diocese and successor to the apostles.

Archbishop

Head of an archdiocese.

Cardinal

An official appointed by the pope who serves as a papal elector.

Monsignor

A title given to a diocesan priest by the pope or local bishop to honor their exceptional service to the priesthood and church.

Pastor

A spiritual leader who exercises pastoral care at a parish by carrying out teaching, sanctifying, and governing.

Parochial Vicar

An associate pastor who represents the pastor in his absence.

Vicar

Title given to a priest appointed by the bishop giving them authority to make decisions on his behalf.

Vocation Director

An official who interacts with seminarians and is in charge of priestly formation.

Chaplain

A priest or spiritual leader who provides spiritual and emotional support in a secular institution.

Military Chaplain

A priest that serves in the military.

Human Formation

One of John Paul II's 4 Pillars of Formation focused on strengthening natural virtues.

Spiritual Formation

One of John Paul II's 4 Pillars of Formation focused on strengthening personal prayer life.

Intellectual Formation

One of John Paul II's 4 Pillars of Formation focused on comprehending and articulating the mysteries of faith.

Pastoral Formation

One of John Paul II's 4 Pillars of Formation focused on showing seminarians how to live a service-oriented lifestyle.