LESSON 1 (SECOND SEMESTER)

VOCABULARY

Sacrament of holy orders - the sacrament instituted by Christ through which is given spiritual power and the grace to exercise the
respective office. The sacrament gives a permanent character, meaning, it cannot be repeated, and ordains one forever.
Stole - a long, narrow strip of cloth of the same color as the other vestments. It is worn by the priest as a mark of his priestly office. The
priest wears the stole about the neck with both ends hanging down in front, while the deacon wears it across his left shoulder and
crossed at the opposite side beneath the arm.
Dalmatic - an outer liturgical vestment with short open sleeves, an opening for the head, and open at the sides from the hem to the
shoulders, it reaches below the knees. It is worn by the deacon at solemn mass and processions.
Celibacy - the ecclesiastical law imposed on clerics forbidding those who are married from being ordained and those who have taken
holy orders from marrying. It includes the obligation of observing perfect Chasity under vow.
Priestly function of the priest - Christ is the only true high priest. The priest shares in Christ's supreme priesthood and most eminently so
when he offers the sacrifice of the Eucharist.
Prophetic function of the priest - As prophet and teacher the priest makes God and His Good News known to everyone.
Kingly function of the priest - The leadership role of the priest in the community means humble service. The priest must be the servant of
the community.
Vocation - the calling of one to a religious life, particularly, the calling to the priesthood. The vocation must be considered from the stand-
point of the person; thus, if a man has the moral and intellectual fitness and a sincere motive to serve God through people, he may be
considered to have the disposition, at least, for aspiring to the priesthood. Continence - restraint from sexual desire.
SUMMARY
1. What kind of leadership does Jesus expect from His Apostles, their successors, and ourselves?
Jesus expects a leadership based on service.
2. What reward does Jesus promise for people with this kind of leadership?
Jesus promises that they will share both the banquet of eternity and the dignity of being rulers of the People of God in heaven.
3. What special responsibility does Jesus give to the Pope, bishops, and priests?
They are asked to help serve the whole community and carry on the special priesthood of Jesus Christ through the sacrament
of holy orders.
4. What are the three holy orders which men in the Church can receive ? The three holy orders are the diaconate, the priesthood and the
episcopate.
5. What is the difference between the transitional and the permanent diaconate?
The transitional diaconate is the final step preceding ordination as a priest. The permanent diaconate is open to both married
and unmarried men who meet the requirements.
6. What kind of person would be able to carry out the task of serving the people?
He or she must be a person of prayer and dedication to God.
7. What is the work of the priest?
The priest's work consists of ministering (priestly), teaching and preaching (prophetic), and that of leading, organizing and
coordinating (kingly).
8. Why does the Church want the priests, bishops, and the Pope to observe celibacy?
The Church wants the priests, bishops, and the Pope to observe celibacy so that they can serve God better and because the
state of virginity is holier and higher than that of marriage.
9. What personal qualities must a candidate for priesthood have?
He must have good physical health and a balanced personality; intellectual ability and interest; moral integrity; and proper
motivation.

PRAYER
Dear God,
Thank you for our bishops, priests
and deacons.
Help them to carry on faithfully the
special priesthood of Jesus.
Pour out Your grace and blessing
on people who desire to give
their whole lives to ministry.
May they share the burdens of others
and always listen to the voice
of the Holy Spirit.
May they strengthen the faith of their
brothers and sisters by their
word and example. This we ask through Christ our Lord, Amen.
based on a Prayer for Vocations