St. John Vianney Catholic Church

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

A Journey of Faith

RCIA Week 22

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

CCC 1591: “The whole Church is a priestly people. Through Baptism all the faithful share in the priesthood of Christ. This participation is called the "common priesthood of the faithful."

CCC 1592: “The ministerial priesthood differs in essence from the common priesthood of the faithful because it confers a sacred power for the service of the faithful. The ordained ministers exercise their service for the People of God by teaching…., divine worship…., and pastoral governance….”

CCC 1593: “Since the beginning, the ordained ministry has been conferred and exercised in three degrees: that of bishops, that of presbyters, and that of deacons.,,,,without (these), one cannot speak of the Church.”

CCC 1597: “The sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred by the laying on of hands followed by a solemn prayer of consecration asking God to grant the ordinand the graces of the Holy Spirit required for his ministry. Ordination imprints an indelible sacramental character.”

CCC 1598: “The Church confers the sacrament of Holy Orders only on baptized men…., whose suitability for the exercise of the ministry has been duly recognized. Church authority alone has the responsibility and right to call someone to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.”

CCC 1599: “In the Latin Church the sacrament of Holy Orders for the presbyterate is normally conferred only on candidates who are ready to embrace celibacy freely and who publicly manifest their intention of staying celibate for the love of God's kingdom and the service of men.”

MEDITATION: What more can I do to support the priesthood?

“The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus. When you see the priest, think of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” -- St. John Vianney

NEXT WEEK: The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick