Lesson 12

Jesus,in the beginning of His public life,”appointed twelve,whom he also named apostles,to  be with,and to be sent out to proclaim the message,and to have authority to cast out demons”(Mark 3: 14-15).Like these disciples the priests are chosen specially by Jesus.They commit themselves totally to Jesus and to serve Him in the Church.

Jesus is the good shepherd who sacrificed His life for the sheep.He saved us through His life,death and resurrection.Jesus entrusted the apostles this mission of continuing His sacrificial action until the end of the world.In the church,the order of holy priesthood is conferred by the bishops,the successors of the apostles,by the imposition of hands on the candidates and praying over them.

A priest is specially chosen from among the people,for the people and appointed for their service (Heb 5:1).He lives and serves in the presence of God,leading the people to God.the literal meaning of the term ‘priest’ is one who is ‘placed before’.

A person is ordained to priesthood to perform the duties of teaching,sanctifying and leading in the Church. The priest through his services of preaching the Gospel,administration of sacraments and shepherding , fulfils his duties and thus teaches,sanctifies and leads the people of God.

Holy Order is the sacrament that empowers and appoints through grace the bishops,priests and deacons to serve the people of God through preaching of the Gospel,administration of sacraments and shepherding the flock.

Jesus is the eternal priest.In baptism,all of us share in His priesthood.We fulfil this priestly mission by studing the word of God,and teaching them,partaking in the sacraments,especially,the Holy Mass and leading an exemplary Christian life.We call this priesthood of all the Christain faithful,common priesthood or royal priesthood.

Priests are specially chosen and appointed from these priestly people to serve them.Their priesthood is known as ministerial priesthood.

The important rite in the sacrament of Holy Orders is the imposition of hands by the Bishops.The other rites of this sacrament are investing with the holy garments as a sign of appointing them to offer the Holy Mass,giving the Bible to preach the Gospel and anointing with oil if such a practice exists.

The sacrament of Holy Orders is a special blessing given to the Church to continue the salvific mission of Jesus.Priests are persons who receive this sacrament and serve us.Let us understand the greatness and dignity of holy priesthood,respect the priests and thank God for the blessings we receive them. Let us also pray for vocation to priesthood.

Let Us Pray

O Lord, bless our Pope,bishops and priests in their attempts

to lead the people of God to the glory of resurrection.

Let us read the word of

God with devotion

Mark 3: 13-19

My decision

I will pray for priests daily

A Word Of God to remember

“And he appointed twelve,whom he also

Named apostles,to be with him,and to be sent

Out to proclaim the message,and to have

Authority to cast out demons”(Mark 3:14-15).

Let us do

Find out the names of the person given below:

 1.The present pope

Name:__________________________

2.The present Major Archbishop of the syro- Malabar Church

Name:__________________________.

3.The present bishop of our diocese

Name:_________________________

4.The present vicar of our parish

Name:_____________________________