THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

In the early Church it was very clear that all baptized believers shared in the universal priesthood of Christ. As promised by Christ, the Holy Spirit imparted many special gifts at the first Pentecost. Christians recognized and made use of the different charisms that contributed to the building up the Church. There were those who could heal, work miracles, or prophesy. Still others could speak in tongues or discern the Spirit. Some could preach or teach.

Leaders were chosen especially to preach and teach. Their office was signified by the imposition of hand and the calling down of the Loy Spirit. As the Church continued to expand new approaches to the ministry of preaching and teaching developed. Thus, was born the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

Most people think of holy orders in terms of priesthood, but priesthood is really the second level of holy orders. The Sacrament of Holy Orders includes the office of bishop, priest and deacon.

Next weekend, our parishioner Ryan Keating will be ordained to the order of deacon. The word deacon comes from the Greek word that means “servant” or “helper.” In the New Testament, deacons are instructed to assist the apostles as they serve the people.

There are two types of deacons. The transitional diaconate to which Ryan will be ordained is a step before ordination to priesthood. The permanent diaconate is a commitment made for life. A permanent deacon can be married or single without the goal of being ordained to the priesthood.

In ministry, the deacon can baptize, distribute the Eucharist at Mass or Communion Services, bring Communion to the sick, and officiate at marriages and funerals. He serves at the altar assisting the priest, reads the gospel at Mass, and preaches the homily.

We congratulate Ryan Keating upon his ordination to the diaconate after many years of discernment, prayer, and study. We look forward with him to his ordination to the priesthood next year. In the meantime we continue to pray for Ryan and vocations to the priesthood.

Congratulations Ryan, Ad Multos Annos