Lesson09/11

Holy Orders and Marriage

Let us explore the two sacraments that serve communion, each building up the People of God according to its own specific vocation.

Estimated time: 12 min
Continue learning

Sacrament of Holy Orders

Through the laying on of hands and the ordination prayer, bishops, priests, and deacons are consecrated to service by teaching, sanctifying, and guiding according to their respective ranks. This ministry must follow the example of Christ, who came to serve.

The Sacrament of Marriage

A man and a woman freely give themselves to and receive each other in a lifelong covenant, aiming for the mutual good and the nurturing and education of their children. Christ elevates the covenant between two baptized individuals to the status of a sacrament.

Key point

Neither sacrament places the recipient above others. They confer a public responsibility to serve the life, unity, and mission of the Church.

Scripture

Suggested reading: John 13:1-15 and Ephesians 5:21-33. Christ's self-sacrificing service is the model for ministry and conjugal love.

Reflection

Am I understanding my calling as a way to achieve what I want, or as a response to give my life?

Practice

Pray for a family and a person serving in an ordained ministry; write a specific thank-you note for them.

References

Path progress

Holy Orders and Marriage

Sign in to sync this progress

Account

Sign in to sync

Your progress is still saved on this device when you learn without an account.