Post on 10-Sep-2015
Chapter Nine
The Ministry and Life of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons
Renewing the Priesthood
Christ gave the Church its ministry: As a means to provide grace through the sacraments To give the Church authority and mission To guide its members to heaven There is a current shortage of priests in North America which has led to struggles among the faithful and the clergy Each year more priests reach retirement age or die and are not being replaced in like numbers by newly ordained menRole of the Bishop
Bishops are always chosen and anointed by the Pope Province meetings are held in order to consider and promote names of priests who might be worthy candidates for the episcopacy Main roles:To teach
To sanctify.
To govern
Role of the Bishop
Bishop as a Teacher
Bishops have the power to call all people to belief and to strengthen those who already have a living faith They teach people how to pray and worship the Lord, thus leading them to eternal life Bishops teach on three levels: In his own diocese Training of catechists/ Setting curriculum National levelBishop as a Teacher
Within a diocese Bishop teaches directly to his people and through his priests Regular visits to parishes Training of catechists/ Curriculum setting Bishop sets the curriculum for religious instruction that is based on Scripture, Tradition, liturgy, and the teaching authority and life in the Church Holds responsibility to teach all people in his diocese, not only CatholicsBishop as a Teacher
Bishops encourage ecumenism and befriending those who do not share the Catholic faith
Bishops take up the task of helping people achieve perfection The Bishop pays special attention to the spiritual, intellectual, and material needs of his priests Provide opportunities for priests to continue studies in theology or take retreats to refresh themselves spirituallyBishop as a Priest
The bishop, priests, deacons, and laity are on a journey together- the journey to perfection of eternal life
The bishop is the focus of this journey, marking the way and making it holy
Bishop as a Priest
Role of a Priest
Preach the gospel
Celebrate divine worship
Provide pastoral governance
Life of a Parish Priest
Life of a Parish Priest
Visiting the sick
Visit people in homes
Visit children in school
Work with parish communities
Mentoring
Preaching mass
Daily Activities:Deacons serve at liturgy and are also in service to the needs of the entire Church and world
In liturgy, may serve: As a minister of the Word of God As an ordinary minister at a baptism As an officiate at the sacrament of matrimony Conducting funerals apart from mass Being the minister of benedictionRole of Permanent Deacon
Role of Permanent Deacon
Requirements of Deacons Mature Roman Catholic males, married or single, firm in work and career, and of sound moral character If the candidate is married, he must be in a stable marriage of at least 5 to 10 years and have consent and support of his wife The man should demonstrate potential of developing ministerial skills Committed to a life of prayer Some dioceses require at least 2 years of college Some previous experience of active apostolic involvement in leadership and serviceBesides being essential for the hierarchical and sacramental ministry, the life of a priest is meaningful, satisfying, and never boring
Rewards of Holy Orders
Archbishop
Nuncio
Sees
Infallibility
Ecumenism
Rectory
Ignatian Spirituality
Benediction
Diakonia
Vocabulary