Men's Fellowship Seminar Battersea London

November 2010

A DefinitionThe priesthood is a vocation. No man can claim this gift for himself, only those who are called by God, consecrated and sent forth to all people in service of the Church. The priest answers God's call by trusting God, striving for holiness and living for others.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews describes the priest as a man who is chosen by God to act as a living bridge between heaven and earth, a representative among humanity before God (cf. Hebrews 5:1). Stated differently, the priest brings people to Jesus and Jesus to people.

The ordained priests, by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, are assigned with a special character and are conformed to Christ in such a way that they act in the person of Christ (in persona Christi). Priests, while engaging in prayer and adoration, or preaching God's Word, or offering the Eucharistic Sacrifice and administering the other sacraments, or performing other works of ministry for people, devote their energy to the increase of the glory of God and to humanity's progress in the divine life

The Historical Context of Priests

Priests and Levites descend from Levi (one of the sons of Jacob). They were given a special position among God’s people, because they defended God’s honour during the time of the worship of the Golden Calf- set up by Aaron. They then became God’s tribe and were set apart for religious duties.

Priestly Descendants’Levi had three sons (Kohath, Gershon, Merari). From these three strands (clans) the duties of the priesthood were developed.

Gershon (Gershonites) – Put in charge of the drapery of the Tabernacle

Kohath (Kohathites) - Responsible for the furniture of the Tabernacle

Merari (Merarites) - Responsible for carrying the setting up the Tabernacle.

From the Kohathites clan, one family was set apart for “Special Service”. Aaron descended form this family.

Qualifications, ReferencesHistorically, only the Priests could offer

sacrificeThey were seen as the most holy group in

Israel.They were subjected to strict rulesBecame Priests at age 30.Person in charge of the priesthood was

known as the “High” or “Chief” Priest.(The CP was the only one allowed in the Holy of Holies)

Duties and ResponsibilitiesResponsible for SacrificesResponsible for WorshipFormed the Temple ChoirHad to give answers in God’s name to difficult

question (Whether to go to war or not)Responsible for teaching God’s lawsIn some cases priest were expected to enforce

laws and take special action in cases of leprosy – (Jesus told the man cured of leprosy, “Go show yourself to the priest”)

Luk. 5 v 14, Mark 1v44) Only the priest had the power to declare some clean.

The Priesthood in Everyday life in Ancient Israel

The Kings sent Levites throughout the land of teach God’s laws. (Ezra Priest/Scribe taught God’s laws – Neh 8) Gen 18 v19, Lev 10 v 11, II Chron. 17 v 7-9, Micah 2 v 7 - 8

Priests were taken to war – offering sacrifices prior to (II Sam. 11 v 1, I Sam 11 v 1 – 11)

The High Priest offered sacrifices on the Day of Atonement

Priests are living instruments of Christ the eternal Priest.

What priests do - baptizing, celebrating Mass, instilling hope, advocating peace, reconciling people, protecting the weak and vulnerable - is entirely dependent on who they are by the grace of ordination. The priesthood is first a question of who priests are, then, and only then, a question of what they do arises.

Priests Are Men of PrayerAs ordained representatives of Jesus Christ, priests commit themselves to praying daily for the Church and the world. Acting in the name of Jesus Christ and as his ministers, perform sacred functions and administer the Sacraments. In these holy events, priests are entrusted with the highest privilege and gift of making the presence of God real and personal for all people. Only by cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ by means of praying faithfully is the priest able to teach God's Word effectively and lead all people toward heaven.

Priests Are Leaders of God's PeoplePriests are called to lead God's People in a manner that is marked by self-giving and self-sacrifice. As mediators between God and humanity and icons of Jesus Christ, priests are to demonstrate with their lives the words spoken by Our Lord: "Anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:44-45). Properly exercised, priestly leadership seeks always to strengthen faith, enkindle hope, and build up the Church into the People of God and Body of Christ.

Priests Are Teachers of God's WordPriests have the primary duty of proclaiming the Gospel of God to all people. In this way they build up the people of God and fulfil the command of Our Lord: "Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation"(Mark 16:15). Priests do not rely on their own wisdom or ingenuity, but rather teach the word of Christ, encouraging hearers to conversion and holiness by applying the truth of the Gospel to the particular circumstances of life.

What Do Priests Do? “At least eight possible functions for

ministers of religion can be derived from accumulated literature on their roles: religious celebration, preaching or ‘prophecy’, education, pastoral care, community leadership, public representation, administration and managerial leadership”

Thomas Nelson Publishers

In the 21st century, priests honour God daily by reaching out to all sectors of human life as leaders of prayer, parish pastors, high school administrators and educators, hospital and prison chaplains.

Priests encounter and help people at the most significant times in their lives. In good times and bad and sickness and in health people invite priests into their lives. By means of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, priests bear the presence of Jesus Christ and are commissioned to share it generously and enthusiastically with all people (cf. Matthew 28:19).

What Do Priests Do?

Qualifications1. Faith in, and love for Christ and His Church. 2. Good moral character. 3. Favourable academic abilities. 4. Emotional balance and maturity. 5. Good physical health. 6. Psychological readiness and capacity to pursue a

sustaining, life-long commitment. 7. A deepening habit of prayer and a balanced devotional life. 8. Maturity to recognize and the willingness to respond to

the needs of others. 9. Readiness to serve in the manner to which he is called by

God, through his Bishop. 10. A developing spirit of detachment that helps him be in the

world but not of the world. 11. Freedom to enter this state in life.

Vocational CallingAm I Being Called Into the Priesthood1. Have I experienced God's love in my life? 2. Do I believe, practice and promote my faith? 3. Do I participate in my community? 4. Am I searching for a way to share my gifts, talents, and

passions with others? 5. Do I desire a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ? 6. Am I willing to offer my life for the mission of Jesus Christ

and His Church? 7. Do I like working with people and do I get along with men

and women from all walks of life? 8. Do I want to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives

of people? 9. Do I find myself imagining myself as a priest,? 10. Do I long to find more meaning, fulfilment and joy in my

life?

WE WANT A PASTOR WHO: Know the Bible backwards and forwards, able to quote verses

from memory at will complete with numbers for book, chapter, and verse. (Never mind the fact that numbering system for our bibles weren’t introduced until the 16th century!)

Rush to the side of any member of the church, for any reason, at any time of the day (or night). And they better be there within 30 minutes or less (or else)

Preach sermons that enable us to understand the bible in its entirety without any extra “work” (i.e. reading) of our own.

Sacrifice their family life for the life of their church. Sacrifice every weekend, holiday (major or minor), and at least

three weeknights per week without question. Have the exact right thing to say in all places, in all situations,

for all people, everywhere. Won’t hurt our feelings. Have perfect families, perfect marriages, and perfect lawns

(even though we’ve asked them to sacrifice their family for their church).

In short, we want perfection. We want someone who will tell us exactly what we want to hear and do everything that needs to be done while we sit and watch and complain.

“To fill the job description of today’s pastor sounds like a job for Superman. A pastor is expected to make house calls as willingly as yesterday’s country doctor, shake hands and smile like a politician on the campaign trail, to entertain like a stand-up comedian, to teach the Scriptures like a theology professor, and to counsel like a psychologist with the wisdom of Solomon. He should run the church like a top-level business executive, handle finances like a career accountant, and deal with the public like an expert diplomat at the United Nations.”

By Counsellor Frank Mirth

Is the Priesthood Only For or Should Only be Assigned To Men ?

This is a question that has perplexed the church for decades. Many arguments and counter-arguments have divided, swayed and pull at the very heart of the church in order to justify or find an answer to settle on one side or the other. Regrettably that question, today, still poses a threat to many church groups and perhaps the Church of Jesus Christ itself as men strive to find a final answer that satisfies all.