Decree on the Ministry and Life of Presbyters (Presbyterorum Ordinis) http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651207_presbyterorum-ordinis_en.html Decree on Priestly Formation http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651028_optatam-totius_en.html Victor Clore

The theology of the priesthood is summarized in the Constitution , and then there is a separate decree on priestly ministry, plus a briefer decree on the formation of priests. We will review pertinent passages in Lumen Gentium first, and then consider the Decree on the Ministry and Life of Presbyters, followed by the Decree on Priestly Formation. Note that the revives the word “presbyter” as the proper name for this particular order; but the Latin text is not consistent – it often uses the word for “priest” (sacerdos). . Lumen Gentium ~ Chapter II The People of God

What is Developing?

#10 “Christ the Lord, the High Priest chosen from among human beings has made the new people “a kingdom, priests to his God and Father.” The whole people shares in Christ’s work of salvation as priest, prophet and shepherd. “The common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood, though they differ in essence and not simply in degree, are nevertheless interrelated: each in its own particular way shares in the one priesthood of Christ. … “The ministerial priest forms and governs the priestly people; in the person of Christ he brings about the Eucharistic sacrifice and offers it to God in the name of the whole people. The faithful… by virtue of their royal priesthood, join in the offering of the Eucharist, and they exercise their priesthood in receiving the sacraments, in prayer… and by active charity.” #11 Through the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests, the whole church commends the sick to the suffering and glorified Lord… to freely associate themselves with the passion and death of Christ. … Those of the faithful who are marked by holy orders are appointed in the name of Christ to feed the church with the word and the grace of God. #12 The holy people of God has a share in the prophetic role of Christ when it renders him a living witness.

Chapter III The Hierarchical Constitution of the Church Chapter III is a reform of the ordained ministry, using the principle of ressourcement: going back to the source, i.e., the organization of ministries found in the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, the early post-apostolic church (eg, the ) and the early Fathers. There we find three orders: Overseer, Presbyter and Deacon. What is Developing? #20 The bishops have undertaken along with their fellow-workers, the presbyters and deacons, the service of the community, presiding in the place of God over the flock, whose shepherds they are, as teachers of doctrine, priests of sacred worship and ministers of government. #21 Bishops in an eminent and visible way take on the functions of Christ the teacher, shepherd and high priest and act in his person. #28.1 The divinely instituted ecclesiastical ministry is exercised in different orders by those who right from ancient times are called bishops, presbyters and deacons. #28.2 Prudent cooperators of the episcopal order and its instruments and help, presbyters are called to serve the people of God and constitute along with their bishop one presbyterium though destined to different duties. Presbyters make the bishop present in the local congregations of the faithful. By their sharing in the priesthood, presbyters recognize the bishop as truly their father and reverently obey him. For his part, the bishop considers the priests his cooperators as sons and friends. #28.3 Presbyters are bound together in a close fraternity, both pastoral and personal. #28.5 “Since today the human race is moving together more and more towards civil, economic and social unity, it is that much more necessary that priests by their united care and resources… wipe out every cause of division so that the whole human race may be brought into the unity of God’s family.” This is the “Servant Leader” model, as distinct from the “Holy Father” model of Presbyterial ministry.

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Chapter IV The Laity What is Developing? #30 The pastors know that they were not instituted by Christ to undertake by themselves alone the church’s whole mission of salvation to the world; it is their noble task to tend the faithful for their task. In #30 “Ministry” describes the work of the laity; in #32, only ordained have “ministry” properly speaking. #32.3 The Pastors and the other faithful are bound together by a common bond. #33 The laity can be called in various ways to immediate cooperation in the work of the hierarchy. #37 “The pastors are to acknowledge and promote the dignity and responsibility of the laity, make use of their prudent counsel, confidently entrust to them offices in service of the church and leave them freedom and space to act; indeed, encourage them to take up work on their own initiative.”

Decree on the Ministry and Life of Presbyters (Presbyterorum Ordinis) Chapter I The Priesthood in the Mission of the Church What was Familiar? What is Developing? #1 By the sacred ordination and mission they receive #1 The Council recognized “a daily increasing difficulty in from bishops, presbyters are promoted to the service the renewal of the church” and “pastoral and human of Christ the teacher, priest and ruler whose situations that have undergone profound change.” ministry they share, so that the church may be #2.2 …the bishops’ office of service was delegated to unceasingly built up here on earth into the people of presbyters in a subordinate capacity, men ordained into God, the body of Christ and temple of the Holy Spirit. the presbyteral order to be collaborators with the #2.2 Christ through the apostles appointed bishops episcopal order in carrying out the apostolic mission. as their successors to share in his own consecration #2.4 The service of presbyters begins with proclaiming and mission … the Gospel, draws its force from the sacrifice of Christ, #2.4 Through the ministry of presbyters the spiritual and has as its goal developing the whole city of God’s self-offering of the faithful is celebrated in union with redeemed. the sacrifice of Christ, the one mediator, in that by #3 Presbyters present a life that is other than the earthly their hands it is offered in the Eucharist, until the Lord one; but at the same time they live in this world among its himself shall come. This is the goal of the ministry of people, know their own flock as good shepherds do. presbyters, and it is brought to full expression in it. Chapter II The Ministry of Presbyters What was Familiar? What is Developing? #5.1 Presbyters share in the #4 The first charge of a presbyter is to announce the Gospel of God to all: priesthood of Christ by the instructing the faithful, those who are uncommitted, and unbelievers, handling liturgy, baptizing, anointing the the questions of the day in the light of Christ, applying the enduring truth of the sick, reconciling sinners, gospel to the concrete situations of life. making the bishop present in all #5.1 The sacraments and other ministries all lead to the Eucharist, which is the gatherings of the faithful. beginning and the end of all preaching, and the center of the gathering of the #5.2 Presbyters spread the faithful, over which the presbyter presides. praise of the Eucharist #5.2 Presbyters teach the faithful to share in the liturgy in a way that involves throughout the hours of the day real prayer of their own. by way of the divine office. #6.2 Beautiful ceremonies are of little use if they are not geared to producing #6.3 Presbyters need to be Christian maturity. caring for all, especially the poor and lowly, the young, #6.4-7 Pastors do not care simply for individuals; they are also responsible for married couples, facilitating the formation of community – not merely human interest groups, but genuine them to meet in friendly groups development of the Body of Christ. for mutual assistance, being #7 The hierarchical order of bishops and presbyters calls for mutual especially concerned for the communication; the bishop listening to the presbyters through a council or sick and the dying. senate of presbyters, and the presbyters being loyal to the bishop in true love #8.1 The bond of love among and obedience. 2 the presbyters with the bishop #8.3 In order to avoid the dangers of a solitary life, presbyters should seek out has been manifested from ways of a common or shared life, either living together, or through frequent and ancient times by the presbyters regular occasions of meeting, and formal associations for brotherly support surrounding the newly ordained and serving the presbyteral order. and laying their hands on them #8.4 Presbyters, by virtue of their priestly communion, need to be particularly with the ordaining bishop. conscious of those brothers who are struggling. #9 For their part, the faithful #9 Presbyters are brothers among brothers and sisters by baptism, so their should regard their pastors with ministry is serving rather than being served, fully respecting the laity’s rightful filial love as their fathers. freedom, ready to listen to them, consider their interests and recognize their #11 Families are encouraged to experience and competence. “They should confidently entrust responsibilities promote the needs of the to the laity in the service of the church, giving them scope and freedom for church among young men to be action, and inviting them to take up works on their own initiative.” They should ready to respond to God’s call. accommodate different points of view, and defend the common good.

Chapter III The Life of Presbyters What was Familiar? What is Developing? #12 By the sacrament of order presbyters are fashioned in the image of #12.3 “This synod with an eye to Christ the priest. Even in the weakness of the human condition they both can its pastoral aims of renewing the and should aspire to perfection. “As every priest in his own way bears the church interiorly, spreading the person of Christ, he is enriched with special grace to enable him more easily gospel throughout the world, and to strive after the perfection of him whose part he takes, in his service of the of dialogue with the modern whole people of God. Thus presbyters are able to grow towards the maturity world, earnestly exhorts priests to of manhood, in the holiness with which they are endowed by Christ. use every relevant means #13.2 Let ministers of the Word of God be daily nourished by the Word. approved by the church in striving for ever greater holiness, which #13.3 Let them offer the Eucharist daily, even if no faithful are available. As will make them day by day more they recite the divine office daily they give voice to the whole church. fitting instruments for the service #14.3 Fidelity to Christ cannot be separated from fidelity to the church. Pas- of the whole people of God.” toral love requires presbyters to work in close fellowship with bishops and #14.1 People are distracted by a fellow priests. They will find unity in their own lives in the unity of the church’s multiplicity of tasks and complex mission and so be united with their Lord and experience abounding joy. problems; presbyters can wonder #15.2 Priestly ministry can only be fulfilled in the hierarchical communion of how to harmonize interior life with the whole body. This obedience leads to mature freedom in the sons of God. external activity. This can only be #16 Celibacy is not required by the nature of priesthood, but is in many ways done by living the pastoral love of appropriate to it, in service of the new humanity. Through virginity, Christ flowing from the Eucharist. presbyters are more equipped to accept a wider fatherhood in Christ, #15.2 Presbyters may try new devoting themselves with undivided loyalty to the task entrusted to them. ways of achieving the church’s They become a living sign of the world to come. “The synod asks not only good; they should put forward priests but all the faithful to cherish this precious gift of priestly celibacy, and their proposals about the needs of to beg God that he will ever lavishly bestow it upon his church.” the flock, but be prepared to #17.1 Presbyters live in the world, but they are not of the world, attaining that submit to the judgments of those freedom which liberates them from disorderly concern for worldly goods. who carry the chief responsibility #17.3 Priests should manage church property with the help of expert laity. for ruling the church of God. #17.4 They have a right to reasonable maintenance, but should not set their #19.2 Presbyters are urged to heart on riches, avoiding every appearance of greed, refraining from any sort develop knowledge of secular of trading. They are invited to embrace voluntary poverty. fields so as to prepare themselves for more informed discussion with #17.5 Let them avoid anything that could put off poor people, banishing people of their time. every appearance of ostentation. #22.1 This synod is aware of the #18 Let ministers of the Word of God be nourished daily by conversation difficulties which presbyters with Christ in personal devotion and spiritual direction. encounter; they may feel out of #19.1 Let sacred ministers be drawn to sacred study and learning. place, and anxious for how to #22.3 Let them rely on the all-powerful God, and their companionship with communicate with people of this brother priests, and the faithful of the whole world. This synod gives thanks age. They are in danger of to all presbyters throughout the world. loneliness and discouragement. 3

Decree on Priestly Formation (Opt tam Totius) The synod is well aware that the desired renewal of the whole church depends to a great extent on a priestly ministry animated with the spirit of Christ. Laws tested by experience are confirmed and new elements introduced to correspond to the decrees of this council and the changed conditions of our time. What was Familiar? What is Developing? #1 The duty of fostering vocations falls on the #3 Junior seminaries should adapt their programs to the whole Christian community. Let humble and hard- principles of sound psychology, suited to the mentality and working priests in a joyful spirit attract adolescents development of adolescents. to share in the hierarchical priesthood of Christ. Major seminaries should be of a good academic quality such #6 Watchful care is need to observe seminarians’ that students can benefit from their schooling even if they right motives, spiritual, moral and intellectual should decide to embrace another way of life. suitability, sound physical and psychological #4 Let seminarians be prepared for the ministry of the Word, health. and for pastoral ministry. #8.1 Let them be taught to seek Christ in the #8.2 Spiritual formation should not be simply pious exercises faithful, especially the poor, sick, sinners and or religious sentiment; rather living according to the gospel, those of no faith. grounded n faith, hope and charity. #9.1 Let students most clearly realize that they are #9.1 Let students be taught in the light of this Council, not destined for a life of power and honor, but informed about the burdens, but not to be preoccupied with dedicated to the service of God. the element of danger. #10.1 Students must become deeply convinced #11.1 Seminaries should employ sound principles of how eagerly the state of celibacy ought to be education in light of discoveries in psychology and undertaken, not just as a law, but as a precious pedagogy, leading to maturity and right judgment. gift to be sought from God with humility. They #12 It may be useful to interrupt the students’ studies to should appreciate the dignity of Christian obtain pastoral experience and more adequate testing of marriage, but realize the greater excellence of one’s vocation to the priesthood. virginity consecrated to Christ. #15.1 Courses of philosophy should be revised so that #10.2 Students should be warned of dangers their students acquire a solid and coherent knowledge of chastity will encounter in present-day society, and humanity, the world, and God. learn how to integrate giving up of marriage so that their life and work will suffer no disadvantage #16.2 Students should be instructed thoroughly in Scripture, from celibacy, but rather acquire a deeper mastery the soul of all theology. Teaching of dogma should begin of mind and body, grow in fuller maturity, and with the grounding of biblical themes. receive more perfectly the blessedness promised #16.3 … and let them learn how to communicate these in the gospel. truths in a way that is suitable for their contemporaries. #15.2 Students should acquire a love of truth, how #16.4 Special care must be made for the improvement of to hold on to true elements and discover the roots teaching moral theology, based more on Scripture and the of errors so as to refute them. life of Christ. #16.1 Theological disciplines should be taught in #16.5 Students should be introduced to a fuller knowledge of the light of faith under the guidance of the churches and ecclesial communities separated from the Magisterium. Church, appropriate to their country, aimed toward #16.3 Let students learn to seek solutions to a reunion of all Christians. human problems in the light of revelation, applying #17 Methods of teaching are to be revised so that doctrinal its eternal truths to the changing conditions of training is aimed not merely at communicating ideas, but human affairs… also formation of the students, encouraging study in private #16.6 Students should be taught to recognize and in small groups. what is true and good in other religions, and to #19.1 Studies should incorporate pastoral concerns, reject the errors, and communicate the full light of catechesis, preaching, liturgy, works of charity, helping those the truth. in error, the art of directing souls, and helping men and #18 Students of special talent can be sent to women religious in pursuing their vocation. special institutes or universities to prepare them #19.2 Those gifts are to be developed which most favor more suitably in sacred and other disciplines. dialogue with people, listening to people, opening their #22 Priestly training is to continue after ordination. hearts in a spirit of charity to the various circumstances of human need.

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