2. •Vocation = a calling to an occupation or a way of life
•Vow = a sacred promise
Matrimony – the union of a man and woman who
freely enter into a loving covenant with each other in
Christ.
⇒to be valid, the sacrament must be entered into freely,
with the intention of faithfulness and permanence
⇒Purposes of Matrimony include mutual support
and growth in love of the husband and wife and being
open to the procreation of children
⇒Mutual = given and received equally
⇒Procreation = the conception of children
3. ⇒The wedding mass is called the Nuptial Mass
⇒After the scripture readings, the couple
receives the nuptial blessing
⇒The bride and groom are the ministers of the
sacrament.
⇒The priest or deacon acts as a witness to the
vows spoken by the couple.
⇒The bride and groom are encouraged to receive the sacrament of
Reconciliation before the marriage ceremony.
⇒Matrimony usually takes place during a mass, connecting it to the
great sacrament of Eucharist
4. HOLY ORDERS – The sacrament in which bishops, priests
and deacons are ordained to serve the Church in a special way.
=> Ordained men are called to sanctify, teach, and build the
Christian community
⇒ordain means “to set aside”
⇒The mission entrusted by Christ to His
Apostles continues through Holy Orders
⇒Only a baptized man who is called to it by
God may be validly ordained in the Catholic
Church
⇒Like Baptism and Confirmation, Holy Orders
confers an indelible spiritual character.
⇒Indelible means permanent; it lasts forever
5. RITE of HOLY ORDERS – the bishop imposes his hands on the
head of the person being ordained, as he says a blessing asking for
the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
•Bishops and priests are anointed with chrism and are
presented with items to carry out their mission (chalice, etc)
•Deacons are presented with books of the Gospels
6. STAGES of HOLY ORDERS
Bishops –
- are empowered to carry on the work of the
Apostles.
- Bishops have the responsibility of leading,
teaching, and sanctifying the Church
7. Priests –
- assist the bishop of a diocese
- celebrate the sacraments, especially Eucharist and
Reconciliation
- proclaim the Gospel
- coordinate other ministries in a parish
8. Deacons –
- provide service for the needy
- are authorized to preach
- may administer Eucharist, but cannot consecrate
- may baptize, proclaim the Gospel, and officiate at
marriages and funerals
- deacons may be permanent or transitional.
Transitional deacons are on their way to becoming priests.
9. Parish Ministries carried out by the Laity (not in a Religious
order):
⇒Lectors proclaim scripture other than the Gospel at mass
⇒Cantors sing and lead the congregation in hymns
⇒Eucharistic Ministers give Communion at mass and take the
Blessed Sacrament to those who are not able to get to church
⇒Altar servers assist the priest at mass and at other services
(Stations, 40 Hours Devotion…)
⇒Catechists teach the faith to others
10. SACRAMENTALS
Sacramentals are sacred signs and actions which may resemble
sacraments.
- Sacramentals signify spiritual effects and give actual grace
in our daily life
- sacramentals include:
*all prayers
*sacred actions
*blessed objects
*songs and hymns
*blessings and sprinkling with holy water
*Ashes and candles
*aspirations = short, quick prayers (ex: Lord, guide me)
*Nature, when it inspires feelings of awe in the Creator
