Help with Holy Orders!

[New Found Glory]

Hi everybody, I hope that Wednesday afternoon is being generous to you all! I have a question. Can someone please explain the concept of Holy Orders to me, and what it means when somebody does not accept this facet or the Church's teachings. Thank you.

 

[Paul S]

Holy Orders is the sacrament in which men are ordained deacons, priests, and bishops. The first bishops were the Apostles, and the sacrament allows them to pass on the priesthood through the centuries.

In the Old Testament, the priesthood was restricted to the tribe of Levi. Now, although we are part of the "universal priesthood" in Christ, there is still a group whose job it is to celebrate the sacraments and preserve the teachings of Jesus.

It's okay to struggle with teachings of the Church at times - we all do - but accepting the priesthood is essential to being Catholic, just as the belief that Jesus is God is.

Is there something in particular you aren't sure about? Let us know, and we'll be glad to help you with this.

 

[Carrye]

Yes NFG, what in particular are you struggling with?

 

[plmarquette]

Look at Ephesians 4.11 , 1 Corinthians 12.30 = the 5 fold ministry to teach , promote
Look at Ephesians 4.11, 1 Corinthians 12.31 = job of the Laity to go and do

Aaron to Ciaphas the Old Testament ministers - Levites
Peter to John Paul the New Testament ministers - order of Melchizidec - Hebrews

 

[New Found Glory]

Thanks for the poignant answers everybody. I am not struggling with the concept per se. I am on a Catholic dating site and was asked about whether or not I accepted the Church's teachings. Knowing that to be in full communion with the Church that I must, I answered yes to everything. I had come across a few profiles that accepted everything but Holy Orders, which to me was surprising as I figured that the biggest bone of contention from the femal contingent would be contraception. In your experiences, why would a person accept everything but Holy Orders?

 

[MParedon]

hmm, maybe it has to do with only males being able to be priests.
Or maybe they object to the priest being able to absolve and retain.

 

[Carrye]

hmm, maybe it has to do with only males being able to be priests.

This would be my guess as well.