Chapter 7 and 8 Religion Test Review

What does the Church teach about homosexual candidates for the priesthood?

"Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. They are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's cross the difficulties they may encounter."

What is lectio divina?

A classical prayer practice that involves a prayerful reading of the Bible. It means "holy reading".

How did Aaron's staff prefigure Christ's body?

Aaron's staff sprouted flowers and even ripe almonds, prefiguring Christ's own body, which would miraculously bring forth the Baptism and Eucharist, signified by the water and blood that flowed from his side.

Why is human formation the "basis for all priestly formation"?

All of the priestly ministry-the proclamation of the Scripture, the celebration of sacraments, the guiding of the Church to love- is done through the relation of the priest to individual human beings and to the community.

How does the priest exercise the sacred power conferred on him in the sacrament of Holy Orders?

As Christ exercised his power by making himself the least and servant of all, bishops and priests must do the same, taking up the instruction of Jesus himself from Mark 10:43-45.

What is the promise a priest makes to the bishop at his ordination? What is the promise a bishop makes to the priest?

At ordination, the priest makes a promise of obedience to the bishop and receives a kiss of peace from the bishop at the end of the ordination liturgy.

*Three degrees of Holy Orders

Bishops, Priests, Deacons

Why is Christ alone the one high priest?

By his sacrifice on the cross, a single offering, Jesus merited all the grace for the salvation of mankind.

Why is the ministerial priesthood also called the hierarchical priesthood?

By its very nature and at its founding it established an essential structure: the Church was made up of flock and pastors who were appointed to care for them.

*What are the roles of bishops and priests? Where does it come from? How do they get this power?

Celebrate the Eucharist, teaching and preaching the Gospel, governing the Church. They get their power from the sacrament of Holy Orders.

How does the common priesthood differ from the ministerial priesthood?

Common priesthood is the vocation all of God's disciples are called to follow. Ministerial priesthood is when someone has received ordination and can administer the sacraments.

What is the central part of a seminarian's day and week?

During the week, a seminarians day usually begins with morning prayer. Many meetings, daily participation and attendance, Saturdays are free days, and Sundays are centered around the Eucharist. They may have time for breakfast before morning class. Afternoons may be less constructed with a chance for exercise and individual study.

How were bishops chosen in the second century?

During this time a bishop was chosen by the community after the apparent presence of the Holy Spirit was recognized within him.

What does a bishop's consecration empower him to do?

He is then empowered as a 'true and authentic teacher of the faith". This membership also allows a bishop to be able to consecrate new bishops.

How does a man's discernment over a priestly vocation involve a dialogue with God?

He must be a believer. He must recognize God's voice in his life and know how to listen to it.

Who was Melchizedek?

He was an Old Testament priest who explicitly prefigured Jesus Christ. He is identified as "King of Salem" and a "priest of God Most High" who brought the gifts of bread and wine to Abram prior to the establishment of the covenant with Abram and his renaming as Abraham.

How does a candidate's intellectual formation also have a pastoral focus?

It also has a pastoral focus, as it will be the priest's job to help the laity understand theology and the truth of Christ's teaching, especially when that truth is contradicted by modern culture.

What were the effects of the edict of Constantine and the legalization of Christianity on the priesthood?

It had a profound effect on the priesthood. The edict conferred civil authorities, status, and privilege on bishops and priests. The ordained came to be called the clergy, and divisions arose between them and the laity.

What is the significance of a bishop's celebrating the Eucharist?

It is "an expression of the Church gathered around the altar" as one who represents Christ, the High Priest and Good Shepherd.

What does human formation entail?

It is the proclamation of the scripture and the celebration of the sacraments. It is the basis for all priestly formation.

Define aspirancy as it relates to priesthood.

It suggests that the person is aspiring to know more about priestly vocation.

*What happens in the upper room and what two things are instituted there?

Jesus consecrates the body and blood there. The common priesthood and the ministerial priesthood, and the Eucharist are instituted there.

What does it mean to say that "no one has a right to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders"?

Just because a person desires to be a priest, does not mean one has a right to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Rather, a person is first called to the priesthood by God.

How is motherhood for women comparable to ordination for men?

Like ordination, motherhood can only be received as an unmerited gift. A women cannot will herself to be a mother. Also, as Holy Orders is a sacrament for the service of others, motherhood is not primarily for the benefit of the mother, but for the good of the child.

Why is pastoral formation the goal of all priestly formation?

Priests are to be formed in pastoral ministry so as to make them shepherds of souls in imitation of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

How might a religious order's seminary be unique?

Some Catholic colleges operated by a religious offer a college seminary program along with the regular academic program.

How did the Church mandate for priestly celibacy arise?

Some monks were ordained and many priests of that period did take on the religious habit, prayers, study, and strict discipline of monasticism, including celibacy.

How did the Council of Trent reaffirm the Church's understanding of Holy Orders?

The Council of Trent countered this teaching and reaffirmed that Holy Orders was one of the seven sacraments and that bishops and priests depend on the graces of the Sacrament for their authority and power to celebrate Eucharist and forgive sins, not on a call from the Church.

Which tribe was to act priests for the Israelite community?

The Levites.

What does it mean to say that the Pope has primacy over the whole Church?

The Pope has authority over the whole Church. He is the successor of Peter.

What is the Pope's role in the College of Bishops?

The Pope's special role is to be a sign of unity when the bishops speak as one. He is the head.

What were the responsibilities of the bishop in Church life during the first century?

The bishop was responsible for overseeing the religious and moral life, for ensuring that those in need were cared for, and for safeguarding Church doctrine.

*Example of how priesthood is prefigured in the Old Testament.

The entire nation of Israel had a priestly role through one tribe, the tribe of Aaron. In the instructions on priestly consecration, God said to Moses: "Take the vestments and clothe Aaron with the tunic...Put the miter on his head, the sacred diadem on the miter. Then take the anointing oil and appoint him with it, pouring it on his head. Bring forward his sons also and clothe them with the tunics, gird them with the sashes, and tie the turbans on them. Thus shall the priesthood be theirs by perpetual law, and thus shall you ordain Aaron and his sons."

What did Pope Benedict XVI say was the first task of priest?

The first task of a priest is to be a believer and to become one ever anew and evermore.

Outline a typical five-year program at a major seminary.

The first two years of the seminary program initiate the candidate into Christian community and the spiritual life. Often the third year of the seminar program is a break from academic and theological study to allow for a focus on pastoral skills. The man then returns to the seminary for another two years of study designed to make him accomplished in understanding core theological ideas and a program of formation meant to solidify a strong and committed spiritual life.

*What would you say when asked why women should not be priests?

~First, when Jesus chose the twelve Apostles to carry on his work, he only chose men. Christ made this choice in union with the will of God the Father: These men received from Christ very specific instructions regarding their mission and ministry. Also, when it was the turn of the twelve Apostles to pass on the mission they were given by Christ, they only chose men to be their successors. ~Not even when the Apostles had the chance to replace Judas did they chose a woman. Mary herself did not receive the specific mission of the Apostles nor the call to ministerial priesthood is not only a sign that Christ intended only men to be ordained, but it also according to Pope John Paul II, demonstrates that the non-admission of women to priestly ordination cannot mean that women are of lesser dignity, nor can it be constructed as discrimination against them. Rather, it is seen as the faithful observance of a plan to be ascribed to the wisdom of the Lord of the universe.

What are some ways a man can test out a vocation to the priesthood?

~Going to daily mass. ~Setting aside regularly scheduled time for prayer. ~Volunteering in some parish or campus ministry activity. ~Doing some research. ~Speaking with a spiritual director. ~Trying out another career or interest that is appealing. ~Participating in a discernment program. ~Practicing the virtues.

Describe the formal application process for candidacy to the priesthood.

~ Includes submitting a written application along with several letters of recommendation and school transcripts.

*To what tasks are deacons assigned?

~Assisting the bishops and priests at Mass. ~Witnessing marriages. ~Reading the Scripture and preaching the Homily at Mass. ~Presiding at funerals. ~Participating in various works of Charity.

*What are the two different types of priesthood? When are they received? Who receives them?

~Common priesthood and ministerial priesthood. ~Common priesthood is received by Baptism. Any baptized person can receive common priesthood. ~Ministerial is received through sacrament of Holy Orders. Only celibate men can receive ministerial priesthood.

*How does the Eastern Church's tradition differ from the Latin Rite in regards to celibacy and the priesthood?

~Eastern Church tradition: married men can be ordained as priests and deacons, but bishops much remain celibate. ~Latin Rite Church tradition: Priests cannot be married. They must be celibate.

What are two main teachings on Holy Orders emphasized by the Second Vatican Council?

~First, it reaffirmed that the mission of the common priesthood is to live the baptismal calling to be priest, prophet, and servant of God's kingdom. ~Second, it taught that the role of the ordained minister was to be of service to the common priesthood and to "unfold" the baptismal grace of all Christians.

What are some signs to help a man determine if he might make a good priest?

~His prayer life is getting better. ~He is attending Mass and the other sacraments more frequently. ~He is spending more time in Church and/or service-related activities. ~He is progressing beyond a generic idea of being a priest to imagining himself preaching, teaching, celebrating the sacraments. ~He finds himself fighting the thoughts of being a priest but not being able to get them out of his head. ~He may be presented with many other attractive options for career and relationships, but left wondering if he will regret it some day if he does not pursue the initial steps of priestly vocation.

What are practical reasons that celibacy is an enhancement to the ordained ministry?

~Jesus is the model for chastity for all people according to their particular states in life. ~Remaining celibate allows priests to more easily dedicate themselves to Christ and to the service of God. ~By not marrying, a priest is a living sign of the future when there will be no marriage and when Christ will be the Church's only spouse. ~Jesus spoke of the requirements of discipleship along with the willingness to give up one's life for his sake and the sake of the Gospel.

Name three ways the letter to the Hebrews describes Jesus as the unique high priest.

~Jesus was called by God. ~Jesus is the perfect mediator because he is one of us, sharing our human weaknesses. ~Unlike Jewish priests, who offered sacrifices everyday, Jesus has only to offer one, perfect sacrifice.

*How is Jesus the unique high priest?

~Jesus was called by God. ~Jesus is the perfect mediator because he is one of us, sharing our human weaknesses. ~Unlike the Jewish priests who offered sacrifices everyday, Jesus had only to offer one, perfect sacrifice. ~Jewish priests offered the blood of animals, Jesus offered his own blood. ~Jesus' sacrifice atoned for all sins, sanctified everyone, and established a New Covenant. ~Jewish priests entered the sanctuary and visited God alone, Jesus entered the sanctuary where God is and enabled us all to enter with him. ~Jesus now intercedes for us in heaven.

*Name and define the functions of the four minor orders.

~Porters: called the community to worship by ringing the bells. ~Lectors: reads the Scripture readings at Mass (other than the Gospel). ~Exorcists: assists the bishop and priests in driving out the evil spirits of the catechumens in preparation for Baptism. ~Acolytes: serves at Mass and at one time assisted the celebrant in the breaking of the Eucharistic bread for distribution at communion.

Explain the difference between a minor seminary and a major seminary.

~Purpose of a minor seminary is to prepare young men to enroll in major seminary. ~Major seminary is the primary setting for priestly formation.

*What are the fundamental reasons that the Church ordains only men?

~The reasons for this teaching form part of the Church's "deposit of Faith", which it has received from God. ~First, when Jesus chose the 12 Apostles to carry on his work, he only chose men.

*Name and explain the two types of deacons.

~Transitional deacons: makes promises of obedience and celibacy at the time of ordination. ~Permanent diaconate: conferred on men of more mature age, both married and single men.

How do Catholics participate in the common priesthood and share in the priesthood of Christ?

~When we share our faith with others in our words and actions. ~participate in building up the Church and the community, especially in the service of the poor and less fortunate. ~Join in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. ~Take up our cross and accept the suffering that comes our way.

Why is the number twelve significant as a number of Apostles?

The number twelve is significant because it represents the twelve tribes of Israel and the universality of the Church.

Besides offering sacrifices, what were some other roles priests took on in Israel's history?

The priests emerged as teachers and leaders. They led regular sessions of study and prayer. They rewrote and organized large portions of the scriptures during the time of captivity.

*What is the difference between the sacrifices offered by the priests of the Old Testament and the sacrifice of Christ?

The priests offered sacrifices every day, while Jesus had only to offer one, perfect sacrifice. Priests offered the blood of animals, while Jesus offered his own blood. Jesus' sacrifice atoned for all sins and sanctified everyone. His sacrifice brought us redemption.

Describe the role of the priest.

The role of the priest can best be described as being the representative of the bishop in local parishes.

What was the German influence on ordination in the Middle Ages?

This German influence on ordination represented the connection between a princely power for bishops and a local cultic power for priests.

*Name and explain some qualification for candidate of ordination.

To be considered a candidate for ordination, a man must be called to this specific vocation by Christ. Therefore, ordination is not a right that anyone can demand, but a privilege for those who have been called by God.

What is the principal source of power of the priesthood?

To offer the sacrifice of the Mass is the principal power of the presbyterate.

How is a man chosen as a candidate for the episcopacy today?

Today, a bishop is chosen by the Pope from among priests, often based on the recommendation of the bishop of the priest's home diocese, though even if selected for the episcopacy, the new bishop can be assigned to any diocese by the Vatican.