The Sacrament of Orders

Film Focus: In this Catholicism in Focus video, Deacon Casey Cole discusses the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. He begins by examining some of the different titles given to members of the hierarchy. Later in the video, he discusses the roles of bishops, priests, and deacons.

Text Focus: Pages 225-226, 240

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the three categories which cover all the terminology describing the hierarchical positions in the Church?
2. Who possesses the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders? Why is this the case?
3. Why did the priesthood develop? What is the difference between a priest’s role and a bishop’s role?
4. What is the difference between a priest’s and bishop’s ordination and that of a deacon? What is the main role of a deacon?

*Permission to link to this video for use in the classroom as part of the accompanying lesson has been granted by the producer.