Morality: Discipleship

  • Jesus was obedient to the Father on behalf of all people.

    • He is the model of moral living

  • Through discipleship, we are:

    • Called to be more like Jesus

    • called to make you live on with Jesus

  • All Catholics should live by discipleship.

  • Discipleship begins at Baptism, is strengthened with Confirmation, and sustained through Holy Communion.

    • It is not an easy path, as we must give up our lives to be more like Jesus.

  • The Sacraments enable you to live morally and to strengthen in the virtues.

  • Through aligning with Jesus, we are enabled to participate in Jesus’ threefold office:

    • Priestly office - offering every moment of our day to live with Christ

    • Prophetic office — we proclaim Christ with words, actions, and by sharing faith

    • Kingly office — We conform with Christ, work for justice, and serve alongside other people

  • Christians have accepted the calling of discipleship through our vocations.

    • Priests received the sacrament of Holy Orders to live out their discipleship.

    • Religious sisters and brothers engage in missionary work and take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

      • Evangelical counsels.

    • Hermits withdraw from the world and take no formal vows, but rather use constant prayer to be with God.

    • Widows and consecrated virgins live in perpetual chastity or virginity but remain lay women and support themselves

      • Support the clergy

  • Through Baptism, people become part of the laity.

    • People can leave the laity for a consecrated life or remain a layperson

    • All Catholics must practice and live out laity.

  • Consecrated life includes:

    • Some priests

    • Unordained men — usually “brothers”

    • Religious women — sisters or nuns

  • The religious orders include:

    • Contemplative orders:

      • Emphasis on prayer

    • Apostolic orders

      • Emphasis on active ministry

        • Caring for the sick and poor

        • Teaching

        • Preaching

  • Secular institutes bring Gospel values to the secular world.

  • Third orders are the Fransiscans, Carmelites, etc.

  • Societies of apostolic life live according to the Evangelical counsels.

    • Religious movements

    • Fraternal organizations