1554. “The divinely instituted ecclesiastical ministry is exercised in different degrees by those who even from ancient times have been called bishops, priests, and deacons.”32 Catholic doctrine, expressed in the liturgy, the Magisterium, and the constant practice of the Church, recognizes that there are two degrees of ministerial participation in the priesthood of Christ: the episcopacy and the presbyterate . the diaconate is intended to help and serve them. For this reason the term sacerdos in current usage denotes bishops and priests but not deacons. Yet Catholic doctrine teaches that the degrees of priestly participation (episcopate and presbyterate) and the degree of service (diaconate) are all three conferred by a sacramental act called “ordination,” that is, by the sacrament of Holy Orders:
Let everyone revere the deacons as Jesus Christ, the bishop as the image of the Father, and the presbyters as the senate of God and the assembly of the apostles. For without them one cannot speak of the Church.33
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
406. When is authority exercised in a legitimate way?
484. In danger of war, who has the responsibility for the rigorous evaluation of these conditions?
131. What is the saving meaning of the Resurrection?
517. What are the duties of workers?
66. In what sense do we understand man and woman as created “in the image of God”?
503. What is set forth by the seventh commandment?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
How does Job 38:1-11 reveal God’s sovereignty in the midst of suffering?
What is the responsibility of Christian leaders according to James 3:1-12?
What can we learn from Judith’s victory in Judith 16:1-3?
How can faith influence Christian behavior according to 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12?
What does the Bible teach us about wisdom as a gift from God?
