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 hands and the calling down of the Holy 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.

Saturday morning, our parishioner Ryan Keating was ordained to the order of priesthood which comes from the Greek word presbyteros (presbyter). In ministry, the priest can baptize, celebrate Mass and preach, hear confessions and give absolution, anoint the sick, witness marriages, and celebrate the funeral liturgy.

We congratulate Ryan Keating upon his ordination to the priesthood after many years of discernment, prayer, and study. We look forward with him to ministry in the Diocese of Buffalo for many years to come. Ryan has been assigned to St. Mary in Swormville which is on Transit Road in East Amherst.

In the meantime we continue to pray for Ryan and vocations to the priesthood.

Congratulations Father Ryan, Ad Multos Annos.