Why teach the Sacrament of Holy Orders?
The whole Church is a priestly people through the initiation of Baptism- Priesthood of Christ. The Sacrament of Holy Orders complement this priesthood of all people (CEO Sydney, 2014). The candidate becomes an ordained priest for the priesthood of the faithful. The ministerial priesthood confers a sacred power for the service of the faithful. The ordained ministers exercise their service for the People of God by teaching (Munus docendi), divine worship (munus liturgicum) and pastoral governance (munus regendi) (1592- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1993).
Within the Archdiocese of Sydney students learn about the Sacrament of Holy Orders (The Rite of Ordination) in Year 5. Students will engage with Unit 5.7- We Celebrate the Sacraments Part I and demonstrate a knowledge of:
Students will follow the steps of Father John Watkins to learn about the structure of the sacrament and to highlight why the ritual, gestures and symbols are paramount not only to the candidate but so to the community of faith. Students will also engage with various resources to gain a better understanding of the role that a priest plays within a parish, while comparing the roles of Bishops, Priests and Deacons. These learning experiences are paramount for students as they learn that the ministerial priesthood is an extension of the common priesthood we are all initiated into through Baptism.
Within the Archdiocese of Sydney students learn about the Sacrament of Holy Orders (The Rite of Ordination) in Year 5. Students will engage with Unit 5.7- We Celebrate the Sacraments Part I and demonstrate a knowledge of:
- C3.2- the value Word, symbol and ritual have in the celebrations of Catholic beliefs and traditions
- Identify the similarities and differences between a Bishops, Priest and Deacon
- Explain how Word, symbol and ritual are used in the sacrament of Holy Orders
- Demonstrate an understanding of the significance and importance of the sacrament of Holy Orders in the life of the Church
Students will follow the steps of Father John Watkins to learn about the structure of the sacrament and to highlight why the ritual, gestures and symbols are paramount not only to the candidate but so to the community of faith. Students will also engage with various resources to gain a better understanding of the role that a priest plays within a parish, while comparing the roles of Bishops, Priests and Deacons. These learning experiences are paramount for students as they learn that the ministerial priesthood is an extension of the common priesthood we are all initiated into through Baptism.
what is the importantance for the broader parish/school context?
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is important to the broader parish/school context as it is the extension of the common priesthood we receive through Baptism (Hemmings, 2012, p.1). Through this sacrament Priests become leaders, educators and caretakers for parishes within the Dioceses of the Bishop. They serve their people through Word, Action and Sacrament. Priest are often associated with local Catholic schools to encourage the New Evangelisation (Hemmings & Butcher, 2012). Therefore, a Priest needs to encourage the support of Parish life to ensure that positive relationships are adopted and permeate through schools (Porteous, 2013).
The Congregation of the Clergy (1997) suggests that catechesis is the responsibility of the entire Christian community. However, discourse often arises between those of the clergy and laity. Parish life needs to be built to ensure that positive relationships are adopted and permeate through our schools (Porteous, 2013). Catholic schools are essential to the Dioceses and must first be staffed by unique individuals who understand and are committed to the Catholic identity of the school (Bishops, 2007, p.10). It is with the assistance of those from the ministerial priesthood that staff can be supported to have a sound knowledge and they are instructed in best practice for effectively presenting RE concepts. It is the aim of Catholic Schools and local Parishes to help children develop life long faith (Cooke & Macy, 2005). Thus by teaching students about the Sacrament of Holy Orders students can make inextricable connections to their common priesthood as members of the Eucharistic community. Likewise, they make personal connections with their parish priest who teaches them about God through the celebration of Mass or during their own personal journey of receiving the sacraments (Communion, Reconciliation). Those who accept Holy Orders support the laity through the Parish, school and community to ensure that they are given the knowledge to maintain and build the Catholic faith through tradition and the common union in faith. |