CATECHETICAL CORNER Priestly Ordination

rdination to the priesthood is always a Ocall and a gift from . Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God’s call using the words of the prophet, “Here I am, send me” (Is 6:8). This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the of the churches who convert to him permanently. Like candidate. Catholicism have been admitted and , which also to . In the Eastern confer a permanent character, When God chooses men to share Churches, only the must Holy Orders is never repeated. in the ordained priesthood of be celibate. and Christ, he moves and helps them may be married; however, in the A is given the grace to by his grace. At the same time, he United States, priests in Eastern teach in the name of Christ; to entrusts the bishop with the task Churches are normally celibate. sanctify the through the of calling suitable and approved celebration of the ; candidates and of consecrating Holy Orders to guide, govern, and defend the them by a special seal of the Effects of the Church; and to be a sign of the Holy Spirit to the ministry of God unity of the Church. A is and of the Church (Admission to This Sacrament configures the given the grace to proclaim the Candidacy for Priesthood, 5). bishop and priest to Christ as the Gospel and preach, to celebrate Head of the Church in Christ’s the Sacraments (except Holy All candidates for ordination threefold office of priest, prophet, Orders), and to shepherd the in the —with the and king. This Sacrament people entrusted to him. exception of permanent deacons, configures the to Christ who can be married at the time as servant. The Sacrament of A deacon in the Latin Church of their ordination—are chosen Holy Orders, like that of Baptism is ordained to proclaim the from among those who intend and Confirmation, confers an Gospel and preach, to baptize, to remain celibate “for the sake indelible or permanent character to assist the bishop or priest in of the kingdom of heaven” (Mt on the recipient. This means the celebration of the , 19:12). Their is a sign of that this Sacrament cannot be to assist at and bless , their intention to imitate Christ’s received again. The indelible to preside at funerals, and to own celibacy and to serve God character is a reminder to the serve the community through in the Church’s ministry with an bishop, priest, or deacon that the works of charity. undivided heart. In some cases, vocation and mission he received married of other Christian on the day of his ordination marks

Catholic This article is an excerpt from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (Washington, DC: USCCB, 2006) 239-271. Current Copyright © 2006, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Image: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz