Holy Orders and Consecrated Life

The Masculine Genius

  • Jesus calls his Apostles by name, personally, selecting ordinary men to become leaders of the early Church.
  • Priesthood is no longer hereditary; one does not need to be a Levite to be a priest.
  • The Apostles appoint Matthias to replace Judas through a vote (casting lots). Matthias was with them since Christ's time on Earth and witnessed the resurrection.
  • Deacons originated when the Apostles ordained seven men to serve poor Christians in Jerusalem, enabling the Apostles to focus on spreading the Gospel.
  • Apostles appointed bishops and priests where they established new churches.
  • Masculine Genius:
    • Initiative: Internal/External
    • Complements Receptivity (inward, unitive)
  • Masculine Heart:
    • Primordial and Primary
    • Feminine Integrated: Feminine aspects highlighted and heightened in relationship.

The Priesthood in the Old and New Testament

  • Old Testament Priesthood:
    1. The entire Hebrew people shared a common priesthood: to reveal God to the world and represent Him to mankind.
    2. Levitical Priesthood: Male descendants of the tribe of Levi appointed by God to act as priests on behalf of the Hebrews in the desert and later in the temple.
    3. Priesthood was conferred from Father to Son in the tribe of Levi.

Masculine Genius Continued

  • Masculine Heart:
    • Primordial and Primary.
    • Feminine Integrated: Feminine aspects highlighted and heightened when in relationship
  • Provider and Protector:
    • External: material goods and space.
    • Internal: The heart!

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

  • Jesus Institutes the Priesthood:
    • Jesus said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." (John 20:20-23)
    • Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." (Luke 22:19-20)
  • Holy Orders:
    1. The mission entrusted to the Apostles continues by laying on of hands, which leaves a sacramental character on the soul.
    2. In Persona Christi: Fulfilling the function of Head of the Mystical Body of Christ by teaching, sanctifying, and governing in Christ's stead.
    • Acts 13:1-3: Prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, including Barnabas and Saul, were set apart for specific work through prayer and laying on of hands.
  • Holy Orders:
    1. An indelible seal is imprinted on the candidate’s soul, marking them as a deacon, priest, or bishop forever.
    2. Receives an increase in sanctifying grace to carry out the service entrusted to them.
    3. Consecrated to the Lord: Becoming set apart to serve the people of God, called not only to follow Christ but to BE Christ.
    4. Orders: Refers to a governing body.
  • Three Degrees:
    • Deacon: Cannot function apart from Priests and Bishops.
    • Priest: Cannot function apart from Bishops.
    • Bishop: Deacons and Priests are assistants.

Holy Orders Continued

  • No one has a right to Holy Orders: Jesus did not command them to "Go therefore and ordain all nations," but to baptize and teach what He commanded.
  • Must possess the following:
    • Baptized Male of Excellent Character
    • Received Confirmation
    • Interior call from God and exterior call from Bishop
    • Necessary knowledge of the nature of holy orders
    • Attained the proper age
    • Capacity to live the life (health)
    • Commitment to lifelong celibacy (Roman Catholic)
    • Theological Knowledge and necessary training
    • No impediments

Holy Orders Continued

  • The Following Effects:
    • Conferral of the office of bishop, priest, or deacon
    • Indelible mark (cannot be repeated)
    • Sacramental grace proper to the exercise of the recipient's ministry

The Celebration of Holy Orders

  • Matter and Form