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Holy Orders: One Sacrament, Three Degrees
Theology
B y baptism, all the faithful are called
to share in the threefold mission of Christ as priest, prophet,
and servant of the kingdom (Constitution on the Church, Chapter
1; CCC 1546). But while we all have a share in this mission, some
are called to the sacrament of Holy Orders. "This sacrament
configures the recipient to Christ by a special grace of the Holy
Spirit, so that he may serve as Christ's instrument for his Church.
By ordination, one is enabled to act as a representative of Christ,
Head of the Church, in his triple office of priest, prophet, and
king" (CCC 1581). The ministerial priesthood is at the service
of the common priesthood of believers (CCC 1547); it is a mean by
which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads his Church.
In ancient Rome, the word order designated an established
civil or governing body. Ordinatio meant incorporation into
an ordo. In the Church, there are still established bodies
or ordines (plural) - bishops, priest, deacons, religious, catechumens,
widows, etc. Today, the word ordination is reserved for the
sacramental act which incorporates a man into the order of bishop,
priest or deacon for it confers a gift of the Holy Spirit which
permits the exercise of sacred power which can only come from Christ
and his Church (CCC 1537-8).
A priest or bishop serves "in persona Christi" (in the
person of Christ) and "in nomine ecclesia" (in the name
of the Church). The latter does not mean that he is a mere delegate
of the community. The prayer and offering of the Church are inseparable
from the prayer and offering of Christ -- we offer our prayers "through
him, with him, in him."
The ministries of the Church has changed over the centuries to
respond to the changing needs of the Church, yet these same orders
have their source in Apostolic ministry. The documents of the Second
Vatican Council (1961-1965) emphasized this continuity: "The
divinely-established ecclesial ministry is exercised at different
levels by those who from antiquity have been called bishops, presbyters,
and deacons" (LG 28).
In unbroken succession from the apostles, a bishop exercises
a ministry of preaching and teaching, sanctifying, governing (CCC
1558). As Christ's vicar, each bishop has the pastoral care of a
particular Church entrusted to him, but he also serves with all
bishops in the Episcopal College of which the Pope is head. The
"fullness of the sacrament" of Holy Orders resides in
the episcopacy.
A priest is a minister of God's word, a minister of the
sacraments, and a pastoral guide of the community. He exercises
his role in communion with the bishop and in union with the presbyterate
of the diocese.
A deacon is a minister of the liturgy, of the word, and
of charity (diakonia). He serves in conjunction with the
bishop and priests. There are two types of deacons - 1) a "transitional
deacon" who will serve in that capacity for six months or more
until he is ordained a priest; or 2) a "permanent deacon,"
a married or unmarried man, who will always serve as a deacon. They
may baptize, witness a marriage, preach and assist at liturgies,
and preside at funerals.
The Rite(s) of Ordination vary slightly, but the essential "matter
and form" for each is the same - the laying on of hands and
the prayer of consecration.
Like Baptism and Confirmation, the sacrament of Holy Orders confers
and indelible spiritual character -- it cannot be repeated nor be
conferred temporarily.
Remembering that we all share in the priesthood of Christ, pray
daily for our ordained ministers. For through them and the sacraments
they confer, God continues to save his people.
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Come to our help, Lord, holy Father,
almighty and eternal God;
you are the source of every honor and dignity, of all progress
and stability.
You watch over the growing family of man
by your gift of wisdom and your pattern of order.
When you had appointed high priests to rule your people,
you chose other men next to them in rank and dignity
to be with them and help them in their task;
and so there grew up the ranks of priests and the offices
of Levites,
established by sacred rites.
In the desert you extended the spirit of Moses to seventy
wise men
who helped him rule the great company of his people.
You shared among the sons of Aaron the fullness of their
father's power,
to provide worthy priests in sufficient number
for the increasing rites of sacrifice and worship.
With the same loving care you gave companions to your Son's
apostles
to help in teaching the faith: they preached the Gospel to
the whole world.
Lord, grant also to us such fellow workers,
for we are weak and our need is greater.
Almighty Father,
grant to these servants of yours the dignity of the priesthood.
Renew within them the Spirit of holiness.
As coworkers with the order of bishops
may they receive from you, Lord, God,
and be to others a model of right conduct.
May they be faithful in working with the order of bishops,
so that the words of the Gospels may reach the ends of the
earth,
and the family of all nations, made one in Christ,
may become God's one, holy people.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever.
~ Prayer of Consecration, Ordination of a Priest
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History
 Old
Testament
In the Old Covenant, a priest had duties within the community pertaining
to cult and culture. Of note are Melchizedek ("priest
of God most High") king of Salem who brought out bread and
wine for Abram (Genesis 14); the priesthood of Aaron and the Levites
(Leviticus 8, 21), and the institution of the seventy elders (Numbers
11)
 New
Testament
Jesus establishes the Church and remains its great High
Priest (Letter to Hebrews)
 He
calls many disciples to follow him, most notably the Twelve. These
include Peter, the "rock" on whom he would build
his church.
After Christ's death, there is collective leadership and no institutional
priesthood
 Peter
lead in Jerusalem, Samaria, Ceasarea, and elsewhere.- Seven Hellenist leaders were chosen by people to do charitable
work (diakonia); Apostles pray and lay hands
on them (Acts 6)
- James and elders (presbyteroi) preach in Jerusalem
- Paul appointed male and female leaders in Pauline communities;
these included apostles, prophets, teachers, etc.
- Timothy and Titus establish local leaders, presbyters, and overseers
(episkopoi)
Major decisions are made by a Council under the influence of the
Holy Spirit (Acts 15)
Leaders of house churches gather the people for fellowship and
the Eucharist, offering thanks "to the best of their ability."
 96
Clement of Rome
writes of succession of ministers from the apostles; two-tier orders
of presbyter-bishop and deacon
 100
Ignatius of Antioch
- promotes a three-fold ministry of overseer (bishop), presbyter
(priest), and deacon
- Bishop is chief teacher of his church; no baptism or Eucharist
celebrated without reference to bishop (a "monarchial episcopate")
215 Apostolic Tradition
Notes the role of the community in selecting leaders. A.T. contains
an ordination rite with the laying on of hands and prayers for gifts
of the Spirit. [The prayer of consecration from this ancient document
is currently used in the ordination of a bishop.]
250 Didascalia Apostolorum
recorded that woman deacons (ministrae) were necessary when
a woman was to be baptized (#17)
325 Council of Nicea
declared women are not counted among the clergy
 404
Pope Innocent I said priests and deacons should have no sexual
relations with their wives, i.e., celibacy for clergy.
300-700 Changing Church needs affect the role of
ministers
- Increased importance of Presbyters -- less advisory to bishop,
assume role of priest as leader of sacrifice and prayer, assume
liturgical duties of the bishop in the local community
- Role of deacons was reduced to liturgical and charitable functions,
order seen as transition to priesthood
- Bishops become more involved with administrative and judicial
responsibilities
8-15 c
 emphasis
on power of priest to consecrate Body and Blood of Christ and
administer other sacraments- bishop of Rome came to be known as "bishop of the bishops"
- Holy Orders recognized as one of seven sacraments
- Seven orders develop: porter, exorcist, lector, acolyte, subdeacon,
deacon, priest. (first four as "minor orders," subdiaconate
as "ecclesial institution")
- understanding of clerical hierarchy (bishop, priest, deacon)
and lay hierarchy (religious, lay, catechumens) which reflects
divinely-ordered structure of universe (hierarchy from hieros
= priest)
- ordination rites more formally developed (Gregorian Sacramentary)
- some clergy held other jobs; education of clergy improves
- Lateran Council II (1139) - holy orders is an impediment to
marriage
16-20 c
Council of Trent
- defended the existence of priesthood with the power to consecrate
the body and blood of Christ and forgive sins in Christ's name
- confirmed Holy Orders as one of the seven sacraments, instituted
by Christ, confers grace
 required
celibacy- confined bishops to their own territories
- Mandated that priests be educated in seminaries
- Defended hierarchical orders; bishops are superior to priests
- Upheld the distinction between the ordained and the baptized
- Gave directives on preaching and pastoral care
1947 Sacramentum Ordinis -- Pius XII declares
"laying on of hands" to be definitive element in ordination
Vatican II (1961-1965)
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (11-21-64), the Decree on
the Ministry and Life of Priests (12-7-65), and the Decree on the
Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church (10-28-65) relate ordained
ministry to Christ and to the priesthood of all the faithful. They
define more clearly the role of bishop, priest, and deacon.
1967 Sacram Diaconatus Ordinem
established canonical norms for the permanent diaconate
1968 Pontificalis Romani Recognitio
promulgated revised Rite(s) of Ordination and established the matter
and form of the sacrament.
Matter - laying on of hands in silence
Form - consecratory prayer (different for each of the three
orders)
1972 Ministeria Quaedam
Paul VI writes an Apostolic Letter laying down norms about deacons.
- Abrogates minor orders, subdiaconate, and rite of tonsure.
- New rite for candidacy, institution of reader, institution of
acolyte
- Allows lay people to be readers and acolytes
Practice
The outlines that follow describe the rites of ordination for
a deacon, priest, and bishop.
Ordination of a Deacon
Introductory Rites
Liturgy of the Word
Calling of the Candidate(s)
The deacon calls the name of the candidate. He responds, "Present."
Presentation of the Candidate
A priest testifies to his training and his readiness.
Election by the Bishop and Consent of the People
The bishop accepts this testimony and the people give their consent.
Homily
The bishop gives a homily on the scriptures and on the office of
deacon.
Commitment to Celibacy
If a candidate is unmarried, he pledges to be celibate for the sake
of the kingdom and as a sign of his interior dedication to Christ.
Examination of the candidate
In a series of questions, the bishop questions his intentions and
his resolve to serve the People of God.
Promise of Obedience
The candidate pledges to be obedient to the bishop and to his successors.
Invitation to Prayer
The bishop invites the people to pray to the saints so that they
might support our prayers to God.
Litany of the Saints
We ask Christ and all the saints to pray for us.
Laying on of Hands
The candidate kneels before the bishop. He lays his hands on his
head in silence. This ancient gesture invokes the Holy Spirit.
Prayer of Consecration
With his hands extended over the candidate, the bishop says or sings
the prayer of consecration. He asks the father to send the Holy
Spirit to strengthen him with "sevenfold grace" to carry
out the work of ministry.
Investiture with Stole and Dalmatic
Assisting priests or deacons puts a deacon's stole and dalmatic
on the newly ordained.
Presentation of the Book of the Gospels
The new deacon kneels before the bishop who places a Book of the
Gospels in his hands, reminding him that he is a herald of Christ.
Kiss of Peace
In anther ancient gesture, the bishop offers him a Kiss of Peace.
All deacons present do the same.
Liturgy of the Eucharist and Concluding Rite
Mass continues in the usual way. Special phrases are added the Eucharistic
Prayer.
Ordination of a Priest
Introductory Rites
Liturgy of the Word
Calling of the Candidate(s)
The deacon calls the name of the candidate. He responds, "Present."
Presentation of the Candidate
A priest testifies to his formation and readiness.
Election by the Bishop and Consent of the People
The bishop accepts this testimony and the people give their consent.
Homily
The bishop gives a homily on the scriptures and on the role of the
priest.
Examination of the candidate
In a series of questions, the bishop questions his intentions and
his resolve to serve the People of God.
Promise of Obedience
The candidate pledges to be obedient to the bishop and to the bishop's
successors.
Invitation to Prayer
The bishop invites the people to pray to the saints to support our
prayers to God.
Litany of the Saints
We invoke Christ and all the saints to pray for us. The candidate
lies prostrate on the floor.
Laying on of Hands
The candidate kneels before the bishop. He lays his hands on his
head in silence. This ancient gesture invokes the Holy Spirit. All
priests present lay their hands on his head as well.
Prayer of Consecration
With his hands extended over the candidate, the bishop says or sings
the prayer of consecration. He asks the father to send the Holy
Spirit to strengthen him with "sevenfold grace" to carry
out the work of ministry.
Investiture with Stole and Chasuble
Assisting priests dress the newly ordained in stole and chasuble.
The assembly sings "Veni Creator Spiritus."
Anointing of Hands
The new priest kneels before the bishop who anoints his hands, hands
which will be used to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
Presentation of the Gifts
Members of the assembly bring forth the gifts. The bread and wine
are prepared, then the deacon brings the chalice and paten to the
bishop. The bishop hands them to the new priest, saying, "Accept
from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him. Know
what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate: model
your life on the mystery of the Lord's cross."
Kiss of Peace
The bishop and a representative group of priests offer the new priest
the Kiss of Peace, welcoming him to the presbyterate.
Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Concluding Rite
The Mass continues in the usual way. The new priest and all priests
concelebrate with the bishop. The new priest assists in the recitation
of the Eucharistic Prayer.
Ordination of a Bishop
Prior to the Ordination liturgy, other ceremonies may take place
- the blessing of the ring, miter and pastoral staff; and the reception
at the cathedral in which the new bishop is "installed"
and takes formal, canonical possession of the diocese.
At the Mass of Ordination, the principal consecrator is usually
the archbishop of the region and he is assisted by at least two
other bishops.
Introductory Rites
Liturgy of the Word
Hymn
After the Gospel, the people sing "Veni Creator Spiritus"
or "Come Holy Ghost"
Presentation of the Bishop-Elect
One of the priests addresses the principal consecrator and asks
that he ordains the bishop-elect.
Apostolic Letter
The principal consecrator formally asks, "Have you a mandate
from the Holy See?" and asks that it be read aloud.
Consent of the People
After the reading, the people say "Thanks be to God" or
give their consent in some other way.
Homily
The principal consecrator addresses the people, clergy, and bishop-elect
on the duties of a bishop.
Examination of the Candidate
Standing before the principal consecrator, the bishop-elect answers
a series of questions regarding his resolution to accept the duties
of his office.
Invitation to Prayer
The presider asks the people to pray to the saints
Litany of the Saints
The assembly asks Christ and all the saints to intercede for us.
The bishop-elect lies prostrate on the floor of the sanctuary.
Laying on of Hands
In silence, the principal consecrator lays his hands on the head
of the bishop-elect. All other bishops present do the same.
Book of the Gospels
The principal consecrator places an open Book of the Gospels upon
the head of the bishop-elect. Two deacons hold it over his head
until the prayer of consecration is completed.
Prayer of Consecration
Based on a third-century prayer, the Prayer of Consecration is read
aloud, asking God to pour out his grace on this bishop.
Anointing of the Bishop's Head
The Book of Gospels is closed and held to the side. The new bishop
kneels before the principal consecrator, who anoints his head with
oil.
Presentation of the Book of the Gospels
He hands the Book of the Gospels to the newly-ordained saying, "Receive
the Gospel and preach the word of God with unfailing patience and
sound teaching."
Investiture with Ring, Miter, and Pastoral Staff
The new bishop receives the insignia of his office.
Seating of the Bishop
The principal consecrator invites the new bishop to occupy the bishop's
chair. This chair is called the "cathedra" and from this
a cathedral gets its name.
Kiss of Peace
The principal consecrator and all the other bishops offer him the
traditional Kiss of Peace, welcoming him to the episcopacy.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Mass continues in the usual way; special phrases are added to
the Eucharistic Prayer.
Concluding Rite
After the Prayer after Communion, the Te Deum is sung. This is a
traditional hymn of praise and thanksgiving. The familiar form is
"Holy God We Praise thy Name." Meanwhile, the bishop is
lead through the church, blessing his congregation.
He returns to the chair and offers a special, Solemn Blessing.
Other Quotations
Receive the Gospel of Christ,
whose herald you now are.
Believe what you read,
teach what you believe,
and practice what you teach.
~ Rite of Ordination of a Deacon,
Presentation of the Book of the Gospels
Accept from the holy people of God
the gifts to be offered to him.
Know what you are doing,
and imitate the mystery you celebrate:
model your life on the mystery of the Lord's cross.
~ Presentation of the Gifts
Rite of Ordination of a Priest
For Further Reading
Cooke, Bernard. Ministry to Word and Sacraments: History and
Theology. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1976.
Cwiekowski, Frederick. The Beginnings of the Church. New
York: Paulist Press, 1988.
Osborn, Kenan B. Priesthood: A History of Ordained Ministry
in the Roman Catholic Church. New York: Paulist Press, 1989.
Schillenbeeckx, Edward. Ministry Leadership in the Community
of Jesus Christ. New York: Crossroads, 1981. Translation by
John Bouden.
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