Course 2, Chapter 44: Of union with our Lord, the new Adam, by Communion. — Sacrament of Holy Orders

1. Why did our Lord institute the first five sacraments?

Our Lord instituted the first five sacraments to prepare, consummate, repair and strengthen our union with him in the holy communion.

2. Why did he 'institute the sacrament of holy orders?

He instituted the sacrament of holy orders in order that men might receive communion till the end of the world; and also to secure a succession of ministers to continue and direct his church.

3. What is holy orders?

Holy orders is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, which gives power to perform ecclesiastical functions and the grace to exercise them m a holy manner.

4. What is the matter of the sacrament of holy orders?

The matter of the sacrament of holy orders is the imposition of hands and the touching of the sacred vessels; it signifies the power given to priests over sacred things.

5. What is the form and who the minister of the sacrament of holy orders?

The form of this sacrament are the words spoken by the bishop who makes the ordination; the minister. is the bishop himself.

6. When did our Lord institute this sacrament?

Our Lord instituted this sacrament when at the close of the last supper, he said to his apostles: Do this in commemoration of me.

7. What are the effects of the sacrament of holy orders?

The effects of the sacrament of holy orders are the grace which it communicates; the indelible character which it imprints, and the power which it con fers to exercise the ecclesiastical functions.

8. What are these functions?

Of these functions, some regard the natural body of our Lord, the others his mystical body, which is the Church. Holy orders gives to priests the power to consecrate the body of our Lord, and to distribute it to the faithful; also to baptize, preach, and forgive sins.

9. Why are we obliged to respect priests V

We are obliged to respect priests: 1st, because their dignity surpasses that of angels and of men; 2d, because Jesus Christ has said to priests: He that hears you, hears me; and he that despises you, despises me.

10. Why do we owe gratitude to priests?

We owe gratitude to priests because they are the benefactors of men They pray for us; they instruct us; they sanctify us; they have drawn the world out of barbarism, and they prevent it from relapsing into the same condition; they solace us in al) our misfortunes.

11. What are the principal dispositions for receiving the sacrament of holy orders?

The principal dispositions are knowledge, virtue, age and vocation.

12. What is the ceremony of the tonsure?

The ceremony of the tonsure has been established by the church, to separate from the world those who are preparing for holy orders, and to inspire them to practise the virtue of their vocation. It dates back to the first ages. 90

230 CATEGHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

13. How do the candidates for tonsure present themselves before the altar?

They present themselves before the altar, with a surplice on their arm and a candle in their hand. The surplice with which the bishop clothes them signifies that they clothe themselves with Jesus Christ, and the candle the charity which induces them to consecrate themselves to God and expend their life in his service-

14. How many orders are there?

There are seven orders — the priesthood, the deaconship and subdeaconship, which are properly called the holy orders; and the four orders of the acolyte, the reader, the exorcist and door-keeper, which are called the minor orders. All these orders have reference to the Eucharist.