Expression of Renewal

Under the word “renewal” in the Oxford English Dictionary we find this definition:
“Among charismatic Christians, the state or process of being renewed in the Holy
Spirit”. Renewal is a process, which usually begins with an event. God is always doing
new things in our lives, and every Christian needs this on-going renewal.

The Renewal is a Grace for the Whole Church

It’s a grace that is freely available to everyone, and the Renewal must never become
identified with any particular grouping in the Church – traditional, progressive, liberal, or
conservative. The grace is for everyone, and cannot be limited by association with one
particular group.
Basic Ecclesial Community as an Expression of Renewal

Figure 1. Basic Ecclesial Community in the Philippines

Basic Ecclesial Communities or BEC’s redefine the way of the church in the
community. These movements, active in different societies, aim to take a grassroots
approach - in neighborhoods, villages and houses. The church describes the BEC as a
"community of Disciples, whose members live in communion and participate in the
mission of Christ as a prophetic, priestly, servant community and as a Church of the
Poor." The Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II) defined the BEC as
"small communities of Christians, usually of families who gather around the Word of
God and the Eucharist. These communities are united to their pastors but are
ministered to regularly by lay leaders."

In the Philippines, they have various names: Kriska or Kristohanong Katilingban,

Gagmayang Kristohanong Katilingban, Munting Sambayanang Kristiyano (MSK), Basic
Christian Community.

Figure 2. BEC gathering, sharing and participating

But why are they called Basic Ecclesial Communities? Before we describe them, let us
first of all look at the meaning of each term:

Basic means “at the lowest level of society,” grass-root; they are not at the vertex
(diocesan or universal); rather, their members are at the bottom of the social and
ecclesiastical pyramid; it also means “coming from the faith of small or simple baptized
Christians. The word also refers to their size, which is small—small enough for each
member to know each other, yet they are not a barkadahan.

Ecclesial signifies the basic motivation for the BECs—to live and continue the life and
mission of Christ in a group of people, who are in communion with the local Church. The
members of these communities manifest, experience and localize the Church at the
grass-roots level. It is not a natural community.

Community is used to signify that the BECs are not prayer groups, discussion groups,
or service groups. Rather, it means that the members live in close proximity and know
each other; personal relationships are important; they exercise sharing and mutual help;
they have common values, common commitment, and common mission; each member
participate in decision making; they face community problems and challenges.

Figure 3. BEC's among indigenous people

As a community, the BEC brings together families, adults and young people in an
intimate interpersonal relationship grounded in the faith. As an ecclesial reality, it is a
community of faith, hope and charity. It celebrates the word of God and takes its
nourishment from the Eucharist, the culmination of all the sacraments. It fleshes out the
Word of God in life through solidarity and commitment to the new commandment of the
Lord and through the service of approved coordinators; it makes present and operative
the mission of the Church and the visible communion with the legitimate pastors. It is a
base-level community because it is composed of relatively few members as a
permanent body, like a cell of a larger community.
0:00
[Music]
0:04
friends the Catholic Bishops Conference
0:07
of the Philippines designated 2017 as
0:11
the year of the parish as communion of
0:14
communities this is part of our
0:18
continuing preparation for the 500th
0:21
anniversary of the coming of
0:22
Christianity to our country to be
0:25
commemorated in 2021 the celebration of
0:30
the year of the parish is aimed at
0:32
forming the basic initial communities as
0:36
agents of communion participation and
0:40
mission let us then look at the vision
0:43
of the second plenary council of the
0:45
Philippines or PCP - with regard to the
0:48
be ICI for this episode let us dwell on
0:52
becs in the neighborhoods
1:00
[Music]
1:08
the basic equation communities are small
1:11
communities who gather and share the
1:14
Word of God and the Eucharist while the
1:18
formation of the becs originated in
 1:21
primarily rural grassroots settings they
1:25
also exist today in urban neighborhoods
1:28
for us the second plenary Council of the
1:31
Philippine States the B EC must be
1:34
vigorously promoted for the full living
1:37
of the Christian life in both urban and
1:41
rural areas they are called basic
1:45
because of the size of their community
1:48
and their locus or location which is
1:52
their base their home base they are from
1:56
the same neighborhood they know each
1:59
other and try to discern the movement of
2:02
God in their daily lives sharing it with
2:05
one another they are called occlusion
2:09
because their Fellowship is a way of
2:12
being Church and what is church if is a
2:16
communion of believers their community
2:20
realizes and in a way localizes this
2:24
communion every time they gather in
2:27
Jesus's name to listen to God's Word to
2:31
worship and to live in concrete
2:34
solidarity with one another
2:36
they are all community because they
2:40
usually live in the same area enabling
2:44
them to interact regularly they do not
2:48
only share their reflections on the Word
2:50
of God but also their concerns in their
2:54
personal and family lives thus forging
2:57
deep relationships and ties like those
3:00
of a big family
3:07
PCP two ambitions the B EC this way our
3:12
vision of the church as communion a
3:15
 church as priestly prophetic and kingly
3:18
people and as a church of the poor that
3:22
is a church that is renewed is today
3:25
finding expression in one initial
3:28
movement and this is the movement to
3:31
foster basic equation communities in
3:37
other words the B EC is a communion of
3:40
believers who participate in the mission
3:43
of Christ in their unique way as
3:45
laypeople and who make manifest the
3:49
Church of the poor the B EC is an
3:52
invitation to the laity to actively
3:55
participate in their respective parishes
3:58
dear laypeople you composed the majority
4:02
of our church which grows in faith
4:05
professed and acted upon and while a
4:09
leaders lead the BECs
4:11
they are also united with the respective
4:14
pastors and other lay organizations or
4:17
movements through their connection with
4:19
and visible participation in the wider
4:23
parishes what is more the becs
4:26
strengthened the sense of belongingness
4:29
in neighborhoods and enhanced the
4:31
integration of the faith into the
4:34
concerns of daily life
4:36
this helps realize a vibrant and
4:39
believing community
4:55
[Music]
5:00
there you go brothers and sisters I
5:02
invite you to join the basic equation
5:05
community in your respective parishes
 The Corporal
Works of Mercy
The Corporal Works of
Mercy

The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the

teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we
should treat all others, as if they were Christ in
disguise. They "are charitable actions by which we
help our neighbors in their bodily needs" (USCCA).
They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we
journey together through this life.

The seven Corporal Works of Mercy are listed below.

After each work of mercy there are also suggestions
and words of advice for living them out in our daily
lives. Have your own suggestions? Let us know
@USCCB and use the hashtag #mercyinmotion.

Feed the hungry

There are many people in this world who go without

food. When so much of our food goes to waste,
consider how good stewardship practices of your
own food habits can benefit others who do not have
those same resources.

​ Having delicious food at Thanksgiving or

Christmas dinner? Donate to a Thanksgiving or
 Christmas food drive so everyone can have
something to eat.
​ Research, identify and contribute financially to
organizations that serve the hungry.
​ The next time you make a recipe that can be
easily frozen, make a double batch and donate
one to your local food pantry or soup kitchen.
​ Try not to purchase more food than you are
able to eat. If you notice that you end up
throwing groceries away each week,
purchasing less groceries would eliminate
waste and allow you to donate the savings to
those in need.

Give Drink to the thirsty

Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ do not

have access to clean water and suffer from the lack
of this basic necessity. We should support the
efforts of those working towards greater accessibility
of this essential resource.
 ​ We take it for granted that we have access to
clean water. Donate to help build wells for
water for those in need
​ Organize a group of children involved on a
sports team (e.g. soccer) or a summer camp.
Invite them to collect bottled water to distribute
at a shelter for families. If parents can be
involved, ask them to accompany their children
in delivering the water to the families.
​ Do the same for youth and young adult groups.
​ Make an effort not to waste water.
Remembering to turn off the water faucet when
you are brushing your teeth or washing dishes
can help, especially in regions suffering from
drought.

Shelter the homeless

There are many circumstances that could lead to
someone becoming a person without a home. Christ
encourages us to go out and meet those without
homes, affirming their worth and helping them seek a
resolution to the challenges they face.

​ See if your parish or diocese is involved with a

local homeless shelter and volunteer some
time.
​ Donate time or money to organizations that
build homes for those who need shelter.
​ Many homeless shelters need warm blankets
for their beds. If you can knit or sew that would
be an extra loving gift.
​ There are millions of children and families who
are on the move, fleeing from war, illness,
hunger and impossible living conditions, and
searching for peace and safety. Engage parish
groups of children, youth, young adults, and
families in doing some research on the causes
and challenges that these families face to
survive. Contact Catholic Social Services, or
diocesan offices of peace and justice for help
with your research. Seek ways to provide
shelter for the homeless locally, regionally,
nationally or internationally.
visit the sick

Those who are sick are often forgotten or avoided. In

spite of their illness, these individuals still have much
to offer to those who take the time to visit and
comfort them.

​ Give blood
​ Spend time volunteering at a nursing home –
Get creative and make use of your talents (e.g.
sing, read, paint, call Bingo, etc.)!
​ Take time on a Saturday to stop and visit with
an elderly neighbor.
​ Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick
family members on a one-time or periodic
basis. Give caregivers time off from their
caregiving responsibilities so they can rest,
complete personal chores, or enjoy a relaxing
break.
​ Next time you make a meal that can be easily
frozen, make a double batch and give it to a
family in your parish who has a sick loved one.
visit the prisoners

People in prison are still people, made in the image

and likeness of God. No matter what someone has
done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word
of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.

​ See if your parish, or a nearby parish, has a

prison ministry and if so, get involved.
​ Volunteer to help out or donate to charities that
give Christmas presents to children whose
parents are in prison.

bury the dead

Funerals give us the opportunity to grieve and show
others support during difficult times. Through our
prayers and actions during these times we show our
respect for life, which is always a gift from God, and
comfort to those who mourn.

​ Send a card to someone who has recently lost a

loved one. Make your own card and use some
of these prayers.
​ Visit the cemetery and pray for those you have
lost.
​ Spend time planning your own funeral mass,
read through the Order of Christian Funerals
and find our hope in the Resurrection.

give alms to the poor

Donate money to organizations that have the ability

to provide support and services for those in need. Do
research and find organizations that put people in
need first, rather than profit.
 ​ Skip the morning latte and put that money in
the collection basket at church.
​ Find a charity that is meaningful to you and
volunteer your time or donate.
​ This Lent, give up eating out at restaurants.
Pack you meals and donate the extra money to
charities.
​ Participate in CRS Rice Bowl

The Spiritual
Works of Mercy
The Spiritual Works of
Mercy

The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part

of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of
theologians and spiritual writers throughout history.
Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of
those he ministered to, these Spiritual Works of
Mercy guide us to "help our neighbor in their spiritual
needs" (USCCA).

The seven Spiritual Works of Mercy are listed below.

After each work of mercy there are also suggestions
and words of advice for living them out in our daily
lives. Have your own suggestions? Let us know
@USCCB using the hashtag #mercyinmotion!

Counseling the doubtful

Everyone has moments of doubt in their faith journey.

Nevertheless, we should always remember that
Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and turn to
him along our way.

​ Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that

you may eventually become wise" (Prov 19:20)
 ​ The Cross of Christ "the foolishness of God is
wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness
of God is stronger than human strength" (1 Cor
1:25)
​ Has someone asked you for advice? Orient
your response to Christ, who is the Way, the
Truth, and the Life
​ Follow Christ with the witness of your life so
that others may see God's love revealed in your
actions
​ Accompany a friend who is struggling with
believing to join a parish group for service or
faith formation, share a book you found useful
in dealing with your friend's faith concern, and
worship at Sunday Mass

instructing the ignorant

Learn about our faith and be open to talking with

others about our beliefs. There is always something
more to discover about our faith.
 ​ Go on a service trip or short term mission trip.
No time? Donate to support someone on their
service trip
​ Volunteer to help with religious education
programs at your parish
​ Invite someone to go to mass with you this
weekend
​ Know your faith! Read through the USCCA to
find out more about the Catholic faith and how
to live it

admonishing the sinner

Do not judge, but be supportive in helping others find

their way and correct their mistakes. Together we
can learn to walk more closely with Christ.
 ​ In humility we must strive to create a culture
that does not accept sin, while realizing that we
all fall at times
​ Don't judge, but guide others towards the path
of salvation (see Mt 7:1-2)
​ When you correct someone, don't be arrogant.
We are all in need of God's loving correction.
​ We should journey together to a deeper
understanding of our shared faith
​ "Remove the wooden beam from your eye first;
then you will see clearly to remove the splinter
from your brother's eye" (Mt 7:5)

comforting the sorrowful

Be open to listening and comforting those who are

dealing with grief. Even if we aren't sure of the right
words to say, our presence can make a big
difference.
 ​ Lend a listening ear to those going through a
tough time
​ Make a home cooked meal for a friend who is
facing a difficult time
​ Write a letter or send a card to someone who is
suffering
​ A few moments of your day may make a
lifetime of difference to someone who is going
through a difficult time

forgiving injuries

Forgiving others is difficult at times because we do

not have God's limitless mercy and compassion. But
Jesus teaches us that we should forgive as God
forgives, relying on him to help us show others the
mercy of God

​ Let go of grudges
​ Saying sorry is something we learn as kids, but
how often do we really mean it? Forgiveness
transforms hearts and lives
 ​ Participate in the Sacrament of Penance
​ Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet

bearing wrongs patiently

Do not be bitter about wrongs done against you.

Place your hope in God so that you can endure the
troubles of this world and face them with a
compassionate spirit.

​ Frustrated with someone? Step away from the

situation, take a few deep breaths, pray the Our
Father, asking God for patience

praying for the living and the dead

 Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can
support others. Joining together in prayer for the
living and the dead entrusts us all into God's care.

​ Request a mass intention for a friend or family

member who is going through a tough time
​ Request a mass intention for a friend or family
member who has passed away
​ Keep your own book of prayer intentions,
writing down the names of those who you are
keeping in your prayers
​ Ask a friend or family member if there is
anything you can pray for them about
​ Through prayer, entrust your cares and
concerns for those around you to God

Our Mission
In every age, the church carries the responsibility of reading the signs of the
times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel, if it is to carry out its
task. In language intelligible to every generation, it should be able to answer the
ever-recurring questions which people ask about the meaning of this present life
and of the life to come, and how one is related to the other.

As the Pope’s international mission agency, we respond to the call to love God
and to love our neighbor by forming individuals and communities as missionary
disciples of Jesus who share their faith in action and through prayer. We share in
God’s mission to reach out, give life by sharing our personal and financial
resources to: - proclaim the Gospel, - serve people in need, - act for peace, justice
and creation; In partnership with local churches, so that all may have life in
Christ. All must consider it their sacred duty to count social obligations among
their chief duties today and observe them as such. For the more closely the world
comes together, the more widely do people’s obligations transcend particular
groups and extend to the whole world. This will be realized only if individuals and
groups practice moral and social virtues and foster them in social living. Then,
under the necessary help of divine grace, there will arise a generation of new
women and men, the molders of a new humanity.

Missionary Transformation

Our beloved Pope Francis, who visited us in 2015, is committed to the missionary
renewal of the entire Church; we can take inspiration from his document
Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). He asserts that we need an
“evangelizing Church that comes out of herself,” not a Church that is
“self-referential” and “lives within herself, of herself, for herself” (cf. EG 20-24).
Francis says: “I dream of a ‘missionary option,’ that is, a missionary impulse
capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing
things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled
for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation…. All
renewal in the Church must have mission as its goal if it is not to fall prey to a
kind of ecclesial introversion” (EG 27). We seek to renew our mission
enthusiasm here at home as well as missio ad gentes, mission to other nations
and peoples. This missionary transformation urges us forward, seeking the ways
of a true encounter with the other, together to discover the path that leads to truth
and love.

The Works of Mercy

The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our
neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling,
comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs
patiently.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition,
appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history.
Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these
Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to "help our neighbor in their spiritual needs."

The Spiritual Works of Mercy are oriented toward the soul. Though ideally
applicable for all faithful, not everyone is considered capable or obligated to
perform the first three Spiritual Works of Mercy before they possess the proper
tact, knowledge or canonical training to do so. The remaining four Spiritual Works
of Mercy are considered to be an obligation of all faithful to practice
unconditionally.

Counseling the doubtful

Everyone has moments of doubt in their faith journey. Nevertheless, we should

always remember that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and turn to him
along our way.
 ● Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may eventually become
wise" (Prov 19:20)
● The Cross of Christ "the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength" (1 Cor 1:25)
● Has someone asked you for advice? Orient your response to Christ, who is
the Way, the Truth, and the Life
● Follow Christ with the witness of your life so that others may see God's
love revealed in your actions
● Accompany a friend who is struggling with believing to join a parish group
for service or faith formation, share a book you found useful in dealing with
your friend's faith concern and worship at Sunday Mass

Instructing the ignorant

Learn about our faith and be open to talking with others about our beliefs. There
is always something more to discover about our faith.

● Volunteer to help with religious education programs at your parish

● Invite someone to go to mass with you this weekend

Admonishing the sinner

Do not judge, but be supportive in helping others find their way and correct their
mistakes. Together we can learn to walk more closely with Christ.

● In humility we must strive to create a culture that does not accept sin, while
realizing that we all fall at times
● Don't judge, but guide others towards the path of salvation (see Mt 7:1-2)
● When you correct someone, don't be arrogant. We are all in need of God's
loving correction.
 ● We should journey together to a deeper understanding of our shared faith
● "Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to
remove the splinter from your brother's eye" (Mt 7:5)

Comforting the sorrowful

Be open to listening and comforting those who are dealing with grief. Even if we
aren't sure of the right words to say, our presence can make a big difference.

● Lend a listening ear to those going through a tough time

● Make a home-cooked meal for a friend who is facing a difficult time
● Send a message to someone who is suffering
● A few moments of your day may make a lifetime of difference to someone
who is going through a difficult time

Forgiving injuries

Forgiving others is difficult at times because we do not have God's limitless

mercy and compassion. But Jesus teaches us that we should forgive as God
forgives, relying on him to help us show others the mercy of God

● Let go of grudges
● Saying sorry is something we learn as kids, but how often do we really
mean it? Forgiveness transforms hearts and lives
● Participate in the Sacrament of Penance
● Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Bearing wrongs patiently

Do not be bitter about wrongs done against you. Place your hope in God so that
you can endure the troubles of this world and face them with a compassionate
spirit.

● Frustrated with someone? Step away from the situation, take a few deep
breaths, pray the Our Father, asking God for patience

Praying for the living and the dead

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can support others. Joining together
in prayer for the living and the dead entrusts us all into God's care.

● Request a mass intention for a friend or family member who is going

through a tough time
● Request a mass intention for a friend or family member who has passed
away
● Keep your own book of prayer intentions, writing down the names of those
who you are keeping in your prayers
● Ask a friend or family member if there is anything you can pray for them
about
● Through prayer, entrust your cares and concerns for those around you to
God

The Corporal Works of Mercy

The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a
model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They
"are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs."
They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this
life.

The Corporal Works of Mercy are oriented toward the body. Six of the seven are
mentioned in Matthew 25:31-40 - although not precisely - as the reason for the
salvation of the saved, while Matthew 25:41-46 exhorts the omission of them as
the reason for damnation. As deprivation of burial was viewed with horror by the
Jews, the seventh Corporal Work of Mercy (Tobit 1:17-19) was later added.

Feed the hungry

There are many people in this world who go without food. When so much of our
food goes to waste, consider how good stewardship practices of your own food
habits can benefit others who do not have those same resources.

● Donate to a church that is doing a Thanksgiving or Christmas program so

everyone can have something to eat/receive.
● Try not to purchase more food than you are able to eat. If you notice that
you end up throwing groceries away each week, purchasing fewer
groceries would eliminate waste and allow you to donate the savings to
those in need.

Give Drink to the thirsty

Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ do not have access to clean water and
suffer from the lack of this basic necessity. We should support the efforts of
those working towards greater accessibility of this essential resource.
 ● We take it for granted that we have access to clean water. Make an effort
not to waste the water. Remembering to turn off the water faucet when you
are brushing your teeth or washing dishes can help, especially in regions
suffering from drought.

Shelter the homeless

There are many circumstances that could lead to someone becoming a person
without a home. Christ encourages us to go out and meet those without homes,
affirming their worth and helping them seek a resolution to the challenges they
face.

● See if your parish or diocese is involved with a local homeless shelter and
volunteer some time.
● Donate time or money to organizations that build homes for those who
need shelter.

Visit the sick

Those who are sick are often forgotten or avoided. In spite of their illness, these
individuals still have much to offer to those who take the time to visit and comfort
them.

● Give blood
● Spend time volunteering at a nursing home – Get creative and make use of
your talents (e.g. sing, read, paint, call Bingo, etc.)
● Take time on a Saturday to stop and visit with an elderly neighbor.

Visit the prisoners

People in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God. No
matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of
God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.

● See if your parish, or a nearby parish, has a prison ministry and if so, get
involved.
● Volunteer to help out or donate to charities that give Christmas presents to
children whose parents are in prison.

Bury the dead

Funerals give us the opportunity to grieve and show others support during
difficult times. Through our prayers and actions during these times we show our
respect for life, which is always a gift from God, and comfort to those who mourn.

● Send a card to someone who has recently lost a loved one. Make your own
card and use some of these prayers.
● Visit the cemetery and pray for those you have lost.
● Spend time planning your own funeral mass, read through the Order of
Christian Funerals and find our hope in the Resurrection.

Give alms to the poor

Donate money to organizations that have the ability to provide support and
services for those in need. Do research and find organizations that put people in
need first, rather than profit.

● Skip the morning latte and put that money in the collection basket at
church.
● Find a charity that is meaningful to you and volunteer your time or donate.
 Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also
should love one another.
John 13:34
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

From the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

322. What is the sacrament of Holy Orders?

CCC 1536

It is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles
continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time.

323. Why is this sacrament called Holy Orders?

CCC 1537-1538

Orders designates an ecclesial body into which one enters by means of a special
consecration (ordination). Through a special gift of the Holy Spirit, this sacrament
enables the ordained to exercise a sacred power in the name and with the
authority of Christ for the service of the People of God.

324. What place does the sacrament of Holy Orders have in the divine plan of
salvation?
CCC 1539-1546
CCC 1590-1591

This sacrament was prefigured in the Old Covenant in the service of the Levites,
in the priesthood of Aaron, and in the institution of the seventy “Elders”
(Numbers 11:25). These prefigurations find their fulfillment in Christ Jesus who
by the sacrifice of the cross is the “one mediator between God and man” (1
Timothy 2:5), the “High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews
5:10). The one priesthood of Christ is made present in the ministerial priesthood.
“Only Christ is the true priest, the others being only his ministers.” (Saint
Thomas Aquinas)

325. What are the degrees that make up the sacrament of Holy Orders?
CCC 1554
CCC 1593

The sacrament of Holy Orders is composed of three degrees which are

irreplaceable for the organic structure of the Church: the episcopate, the
presbyterate and the diaconate.

326. What is the effect of episcopal ordination?

CCC 1557-1558

Episcopal ordination confers the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. It

makes the bishop a legitimate successor of the apostles and integrates him into
the episcopal college to share with the Pope and the other bishops care for all the
churches. It confers on him the offices of teaching, sanctifying, and ruling.

327. What is the office confided to a Bishop in a particular Church?

CCC 1560-1561

The bishop to whom the care of a particular Church is entrusted is the visible
head and foundation of unity for that Church. For the sake of that Church, as
vicar of Christ, he fulfills the office of shepherd and is assisted by his own priests
and deacons.

328. What is the effect of ordination to the priesthood?

CCC 1562-1567
CCC 1595
The anointing of the Spirit seals the priest with an indelible, spiritual character
that configures him to Christ the priest and enables him to act in the name of
Christ the Head. As a co-worker of the order of bishops he is consecrated to
preach the Gospel, to celebrate divine worship, especially the Eucharist from
which his ministry draws its strength, and to be a shepherd of the faithful.

329. How does a priest carry out his proper ministry?

CCC 1568

A priest, although ordained for a universal mission, exercises his ministry in a

particular Church. This ministry is pursued in sacramental brotherhood with
other priests who form the “presbyterate”. In communion with the bishop, and
depending upon him, they bear responsibility for the particular Church.

330. What is the effect of the ordination to the diaconate?

CCC 1569-1571
CCC 1596

The deacon, configured to Christ the servant of all, is ordained for service to the
Church. He carries out this service under the authority of his proper bishop by
the ministry of the Word, of divine worship, of pastoral care and of charity.

331. How is the sacrament of Holy Orders celebrated?

CCC 1572-1574
CCC 1597

The sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred, in each of its three degrees, by means
of the imposition of hands on the head of the ordinand by the Bishop who
pronounces the solemn prayer of consecration. With this prayer he asks God on
behalf of the ordinand for the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit and for the
gifts of the Spirit proper to the ministry to which he is being ordained.
 332. Who can confer this sacrament?
CCC 1575-1576
CCC 1600

Only validly ordained bishops, as successors of the apostles, can confer the
sacrament of Holy Orders.

333. Who can receive this sacrament?

CCC 1577-1578
CCC 1598

This sacrament can only be validly received by a baptized man. The Church
recognizes herself as bound by this choice made by the Lord Himself. No one can
demand to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, but must be judged suitable for
the ministry by the authorities of the Church.

334. Is it necessary to be celibate to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders?

CCC 1579-1580
CCC 1599

It is always necessary to be celibate for the episcopacy. For the priesthood in the
Latin Church men who are practicing Catholics and celibate are chosen, men who
intend to continue to live a celibate life “for the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew
19:12). In the Eastern Churches marriage is not permitted after one has been
ordained. Married men can be ordained to the permanent diaconate.

335. What are the effects of the sacrament of Holy Orders?

CCC 1581-1589

This sacrament yields a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit which configures
the recipient to Christ in his triple office as Priest, Prophet, and King, according
to the respective degrees of the sacrament. Ordination confers an indelible
spiritual character and therefore cannot be repeated or conferred for a limited
time.

336. With what authority is the priestly ministry exercised?

CCC 1547-1553
CCC 1592

Ordained priests in the exercise of their sacred ministry speak and act not on
their own authority, nor even by mandate or delegation of the community, but
rather in the Person of Christ the Head and in the name of the Church. Therefore,
the ministerial priesthood differs essentially and not just in degree from the
priesthood common to all the faithful for whose service Christ instituted it.

What is a Vocation?

Vocation in a religious context is how God calls you to serve Him in the world.

God calls you through Baptism and Confirmation to serve Him in a specific way of life.
You can follow God's call as a single person, married person, ordained priest or a
vowed religious. It is important to first determine which way of life God is calling you to.
This process of determining God's call for your life is known as discernment.
The Sacrament of Matrimony

From the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

337. What is the plan of God regarding man and woman?

CCC 1601-1605

God who is love and who created man and woman for love has called them to love. By
creating man and woman he called them to an intimate communion of life and of love in
marriage: “So that they are no longer two, but one flesh” (Matthew 19:6). God said to
them in blessing “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28).

338. For what ends has God instituted Matrimony?

CCC 1659-1660

The marital union of man and woman, which is founded and endowed with its own
proper laws by the Creator, is by its very nature ordered to the communion and good of
the couple and to the generation and education of children. According to the original
divine plan this conjugal union is indissoluble, as Jesus Christ affirmed: “What God has
joined together, let no man put asunder” (Mark 10:9).

339. How does sin threaten marriage?

CCC 1606-1608

Because of original sin, which caused a rupture in the God-given communion between
man and woman, the union of marriage is very often threatened by discord and
infidelity. However, God in his infinite mercy gives to man and woman the grace to bring
the union of their lives into accord with the original divine plan.

340. What does the Old Testament teach about marriage?

CCC 1609-1611
God helped his people above all through the teaching of the Law and the Prophets to
deepen progressively their understanding of the unity and indissolubility of marriage.
The nuptial covenant of God with Israel prepared for and prefigured the new covenant
established by Jesus Christ the Son of God, with his spouse, the Church.

341. What new element did Christ give to Matrimony?

CCC 1612-1617
CCC 1661

Christ not only restored the original order of matrimony but raised it to the dignity of a
sacrament, giving spouses a special grace to live out their marriage as a symbol of
Christ’s love for his bride the Church: “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the
Church” (Ephesians 5:25).

342. Are all obliged to get married?

CCC 1618-1620

Matrimony is not an obligation for everyone, especially since God calls some men and
women to follow the Lord Jesus in a life of virginity or of celibacy for the sake of the
Kingdom of Heaven. These renounce the great good of Matrimony to concentrate on
the things of the Lord and seek to please him. They become a sign of the absolute
supremacy of Christ’s love and of the ardent expectation of his glorious return.

343. How is the sacrament of Matrimony celebrated?

CCC 1621-1624

Since Matrimony establishes spouses in a public state of life in the Church, its liturgical
celebration is public, taking place in the presence of a priest (or of a witness authorized
by the Church) and other witnesses.
 344. What is matrimonial consent?
CCC 1625-1632
CCC 1662-1663

Matrimonial consent is given when a man and a woman manifest the will to give
themselves to each other irrevocably in order to live a covenant of faithful and fruitful
love. Since consent constitutes Matrimony, it is indispensable and irreplaceable. For a
valid marriage the consent must have as its object true Matrimony, and be a human act
which is conscious and free and not determined by duress or coercion.

345. What is required when one of the spouses is not a Catholic?

CCC 1633-1637

A mixed marriage (between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) needs for liceity the
permission of ecclesiastical authority. In a case of disparity of cult (between a Catholic
and a non-baptized person) a dispensation is required for validity. In both cases, it is
essential that the spouses do not exclude the acceptance of the essential ends and
properties of marriage. It is also necessary for the Catholic party to accept the
obligation, of which the non-Catholic party has been advised, to persevere in the faith
and to assure the baptism and Catholic education of their children.

346. What are the effects of the sacrament of Matrimony?

CCC 1638-1642

The sacrament of Matrimony establishes a perpetual and exclusive bond between the
spouses. God himself seals the consent of the spouses. Therefore, a marriage which is
ratified and consummated between baptized persons can never be dissolved.
Furthermore, this sacrament bestows upon the spouses the grace necessary to attain
holiness in their married life and to procreate or accept responsibly the gift of children
and provide for their education.
 347. What sins are gravely opposed to the sacrament of Matrimony?
CCC 1645-1648

Adultery and polygamy are opposed to the sacrament of matrimony because they
contradict the equal dignity of man and woman and the unity and exclusivity of married
love. Other sins include the deliberate refusal of one’s procreative potential which
deprives conjugal love of the gift of children and divorce which goes against the
indissolubility of marriage.

348. When does the Church allow the physical separation of spouses?
CCC 1629
CCC 1649

The Church permits the physical separation of spouses when for serious reasons their
living together becomes practically impossible, even though there may be hope for their
reconciliation. As long as one’s spouse lives, however, one is not free to contract a new
union, except if the marriage be null and be declared so by ecclesiastical authority.

349. What is the attitude of the Church toward those people who are
divorced and then remarried?
CCC 1650-1651
CCC 1665

The Church, since she is faithful to her Lord, cannot recognize the union of people who
are civilly divorced and remarried. “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another,
commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she
commits adultery” (Mark 10:11-12). The Church manifests an attentive solicitude toward
such people and encourages them to a life of faith, prayer, and works of charity and the
Christian education of their children. However, they cannot receive sacramental
absolution, take Holy Communion, or exercise certain ecclesial responsibilities as long
as their situation, which objectively contravenes God's law, persists.
 350. Why is the Christian family called a domestic church?
CCC 1655-1658
CCC 1666

The Christian family is called the domestic church because the family manifests and
lives out the communal and familial nature of the Church as the family of God. Each
family member, in accord with their own role, exercises the baptismal priesthood and
contributes toward making the family a community of grace and of prayer, a school of
human and Christian virtue and the place where the faith is first proclaimed to children.

0:01
KAI: What you watching?
0:02
LIBBY: Marriage Hacks for the Lazy and Self-Absorbed.
0:04
KAI: As if you could learn anything about marriage
0:06
from a four-minute video.
0:07
LIBBY: Seriously, I mean covering the complex issues
0:09
of a major lifetime commitment like marriage
0:11
shouldn't be at least five minutes.
0:13
KAI: Six to get to the Catholic stuff.
0:17
(upbeat rock music)
0:21
KAI: Hi, welcome to Catholic Central.
0:23
She's Libby.
0:23
LIBBY: And he's Kai, and today we're talking
0:25
about the Sacrament of Marriage.
0:27
KAI: Marriage, one of the most common institutions
 0:29
across every time and culture.
0:31
LIBBY: And across those times and cultures
0:33
it has had totally different meanings.
0:35
ELVIS KAI: I'm ordained by the religion of love, baby!
0:39
And legally by the state of Nevada.
0:41
LIBBY: So what do Catholics mean by marriage?
0:43
KAI: For starters, it's one of the seven Sacraments.
0:46
LIBBY: A sacrament is a visible sign
0:47
instituted by Christ to give grace.
0:49
So for Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage
0:52
means that the couple themselves
0:53
are a sign of God's love.
0:55
KAI: Catholics believe marriage is a vocation,
0:57
or a call from God, to love, honor, and live in union
1:00
with one person for life.
1:02
LIBBY: Just as God calls some to the priesthood
1:04
or religious life,
1:05
He calls couples to follow Christ through marriage.
1:07
KAI: And that means Jesus is invited
1:09
to both the wedding and the marriage.
1:11
LIBBY: That also means that since their marriage
 1:13
represents Christ's love for the Church,
1:15
the ordinary day-to-day life of a couple
1:17
points to a greater reality where Christ is present.
1:20
KAI: But not in, like, a creepy way.
1:22
LIBBY: Right, He leads them to greater unity in love.
1:24
KAI: Put it mildly, this is not exactly the meaning
1:27
marriage has always had around the world,
1:28
nor how everyone sees it today.
1:31
Civil marriages are performed by government officials
1:33
and recognized by the government as a legally-binding union,
1:36
but what marriage means varies from couple to couple.
1:39
LIBBY: They can be part of a traditional religion or not.
1:43
So while all civil marriages are recognized as legal,
1:46
and Catholics believe that God can be present
1:48
in all circumstances,
1:50
for a marriage to be considered valid
1:51
in the Catholic Church,
1:53
it must have particular qualities.
1:55
CHURCH LADY LIBBY: Ephesians 5:22, "Here Comes the Bride" on the organ,
1:58
and wine at the reception.
2:00
KAI: Nope.
 2:01
But wine is a popular choice.
2:03
LIBBY: Catholic marriage must have the following four elements.
2:07
KAI: One.
2:08
One man and one woman must enter into the marriage freely.
2:10
The spouses must be free to marry.
2:12
There can be no conditions
2:13
that would get in the way of this freedom.
2:15
LIBBY: For example, you cannot be closely related to your fiance.
2:18
And you cannot marry if you are already married
2:21
or bound by other vows.
2:23
So a priest can marry you, but he can't marry you.
2:27
KAI: Two, they freely exchange their consent.
2:30
They must be not only free from other vows or ties,
2:32
but also choose each other on their own.
2:34
Without pressure from anyone else,
2:36
Mother.
2:37
V/O: Uh oh.
2:38
LIBBY: Three.
2:39
Consent to live out what the Church means by marriage.
2:42
Namely, a covenant.
2:43
KAI: Which means to marry for life,
 2:45
be faithful to one another, and be open to children.
2:48
LIBBY: Marriage is a lifelong commitment.
2:50
Couples pledge to go through hard times
2:52
and good times together,
2:54
to do the work of growing with and toward each other
2:57
as they age.
2:58
The family forms the basic unit of nurture,
3:00
education, and care.
3:02
Being open to having children
3:03
means a marriage serves future generations,
3:05
not just one another.
3:07
KAI: OK, four.
3:08
The last element is the exchange of vows
3:10
that takes place publicly before a Church minster,
3:12
usually in a church.
3:13
LIBBY: This is because Catholic marriage
3:15
is not just for the couple
3:16
but is a continuing sign of God's love
3:19
for the community and the world.
3:20
KAI: And while the Sacrament of Marriage
3:22
is witnessed by a priest,
 3:23
the ritual itself takes place between the man and the woman.
3:27
Their vows are made publicly as a sign to one another
3:30
and the whole Church community.
3:32
LIBBY: So you can't just make promises in private
3:34
that you later deny in public, Kevin.
3:36
V/O: Uh oh.
3:37
KAI: Now, some of you might be thinking,
3:39
"That sounds highly idealistic, if not impossible."
3:42
LIBBY: Catholics know the bar is set high.
3:44
KAI: It's no simple calling to live out ordinary daily life
3:48
in such a way as to be a sign of Christ's love
3:50
for each other and for the world.
3:52
And unfortunately, it's not the kind of thing
3:53
you could hack.
3:54
LIBBY: But the requirements are not there to be a burden.
3:57
While not everyone lives them out perfectly,
3:59
they're there to ensure freedom and happiness
4:01
for the spouses and their families.
4:03
KAI: And they're why the Catholic ideal of marriage
4:05
often stands in contrast to the cultural norms around it.
4:08
While empires rise and fall and cultures tend to change,
 4:11
the Church's teachings strive to stay in line
4:13
with the teachings of Christ and the early Church.
4:15
LIBBY: However, Catholics know relationships can be complicated.
4:19
And it's important to treat those
4:21
who have experienced serious difficulties in marriage
4:24
with kindness and a good heart.
4:26
You know, like Jesus would.
4:27
KAI: Sadly, divorce is a common reality for our culture.
4:30
With hope, the Church holds up the ideal
4:33
and strives to serve those who have experienced divorce
4:35
with love and compassion.
4:37
LIBBY: Because a Catholic marriage is bound
4:38
until the death of a spouse,
4:40
a Catholic marriage doesn't end with a civil divorce.
4:43
However, it may be eligible for an annulment
4:45
under certain circumstances.
4:47
KAI: An annulment is the official declaration
4:49
of nullity from the Church tribunal,
4:51
meaning that the marriage never truly existed
4:54
in the first place.
4:55
LIBBY: At least in the Catholic sense.
 4:56
So you could've had a wedding, had kids, a house,
5:00
and a dog together, and even shared a toothbrush.
5:03
But one of the four essential elements was missing
5:05
when you made your vows,
5:06
even though you might not have known it at the time.
5:08
KAI: Which is sad, but also points to how important
5:11
those elements are in making Catholic marriage
5:14
a beautiful thing.
5:15
It means saying yes to both loving God
5:17
and loving your spouse
5:19
with your whole heart, mind, body, and soul.
5:22
LIBBY:It means being a witness to fidelity,
5:24
openness to life, and God's call to love and honor
5:27
one special lifelong partner
5:29
in the way God intends for them to be loved.
5:30
KAI: On that note, Libby, do you want this episode
5:33
to be over for as long as we both shall live?
5:35
LIBBY: I do.
5:36
I'm Libby.
5:36
KAI: And I'm Kai.
5:37
Thanks for watching Catholic Central.
 5:39
("Wedding March" plays)
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