The Sacrament of Holy Orders By: The U.S. Conf. Of Catholic Bishops
Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders—as a deacon, priest or bishop—are consecrated in Christ’s name “to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.”
By virtue of our Baptism all Christians are part of a common priesthood of believers. We are all called to participate in Christ’s mission. Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, bishops and priests are given a special role in carrying out this mission. They exercise a ministerial priesthood. Deacons also receive a special grace through ordination and are called to assist the ministry of bishops and priests (CCC, nos. 1547, 1554).
Pope Benedict XVI writes, “The priest is above all a servant of others” (Sacramentum Caritatis, Sacrament of Charity, no. 23). In gathering the community, modeling Christ’s love for the poor, presiding at Eucharist, and evangelizing social realities, ordained ministers help Christians imitate Christ’s mission of love and justice.
As co-workers with their bishops in teaching and carrying out Christ’s mission, priest and deacons proclaim the Word of God to his people. This includes education about the social teaching of the Church, which is based in both Scripture and Tradition, and helping community members become aware of their “right and duty to be active subjects of this doctrine” (Compendium of Social Doctrine of the Church, no. 539)
Ordained ministry is a reminder of our “communitarian” nature, because it can only be carried out in communion with others. For example, priests minister in communion with their bishop, with other priests, and with the lay faithful. An important role of the priest is to bring together the entire community both in worship and in building the Church in the world. Being “a man of communion” means that a priest must be “a man of mission and dialogue,” working for unity, justice, peace with other faiths, people of good will and with those who are poor and vulnerable.
St. John Vianney wrote, “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”. Likewise, St. Augustine noted that the priesthood is the office of the good shepherd who offers his life for his sheep. As Christ “emptied himself” (Phil 2:7) to become the suffering servant, so too, priests give themselves in service for the Church and the world. The celibate lifestyle, which encourages an undivided heart in those committed to it, fosters such selfemptying service. Deacons also exemplify service as they assist the bishop and priests in their ministries and dedicate themselves to ministries of charity (CCC, no. 1571). Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders (as a deacon, priest or bishop) are consecrated in Christ's name "to feed the Church by the word and grace of God" (USCCB).
For more information about vocations to the priesthood and diaconate contact our pastor or the Rockford Diocese Vocations Office.