7/JESUS
7/4 THE PRIESTHOOD
THE CALL OF THE DISCIPLES. While preaching at the Lake of
Galilee, Jesus met Peter, a fisherman, who was not successful that day in
catching any fish. With the help of Jesus, he tried again and caught a net full
of fish. Peter and his partners James and John were astonished at this change
of fortune. Jesus then invited them to follow him, and he would make them
fishers of men. They left all and followed Jesus. From the very beginning of
his ministry, Jesus invited others to help him. He continues this today when he
calls men to become priests.
THE MISSION OF THE DISCIPLES. The resurrected Jesus visited
his disciples as they were gathered in Jerusalem. Jesus them told them as the
Father had sent him so he also would send them out to continue his work. He
then gave them the Holy Spirit and the power to forgive sins. They were chosen,
given special powers, and the mission to go to all to continue the work of
Jesus. From the very beginning of the Church to this very day, there have been
leaders in the church whom we call priests.
THE RITE OF ORDINATION OF A PRIEST. After a thorough training
in philosophy and theology, a seminarian who must be a male, prepares himself
for his ordination as a priest. He must be willing to live a celibate life,
obey his bishop or superior, and live a holy life. After these conditions are
met, the ordaining bishop blesses him by laying hands on his head, anoints his
forehead with holy oil, and gives him a chalice. The newly ordained man is
vested in priestly garments and celebrates his first Mass along with the
bishop.
