Saturday, May 17, 2008
Where do bishops come from???
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Holy Orders Review Questions
1. Which tribe of Israel were given the responsibility of the priesthood?
2. What was the role of the priesthood in the ancient Jewish faith?
3. How was the Jewish priests’ ministry insufficient?
4. Define the word “ordo”?
5. What are the three levels of Holy Orders?
6. When were the first deacons ordained, and what problem were they to address?
7. Compare and contrast the two types of Deacon. How are they similar? How are they different?
8. What are the main elements of a deacon’s ministry?
9. Why were priests ordained?
10. What is at the heart of the priest’s ministry?
11. What are the other elements of his ministry in addition to the primary one?
12. What are the two types of priest that we discussed?
13. What are the vestments of a priest and how are they different from those of a deacon?
14. Who were the first bishops?
15. What is the difference between an apostle and a disciple?
16. What are the symbols of a bishop and what do they represent?
17. What are the different types of bishop?
18. How does the appointment of a bishop take place?
19. What are the four aspects of formation for holy orders?
Study study study- i'll be available after school for questions.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Mr. B
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Religious Life Test Coming Soon
All of the power point notes from class are available on http://www.schoolweblcokers.com/
I wil be available after school until 4:oo if you have any questions.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Mr. B
The Pope wanted you to know...
Mr. B
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Marriage Study Guide
Eros
Philia
Agape
Pre-Christian Motives for Marriage
Property
Politics
Progeny
Compare and Contrast Christ’s view of marriage with that held by his contemporaries
a. Divorce was permissable
b. Contract vs. Covenant
Understand how a Christian Marriage is intended to be a “Reflection of Divine Love”
- The covenant of spouses is a mirror of the Covenant God made with mankind.
- This covenant is based on all three types of love
What are the three effects of the Sacrament of Marriage:
1. Perfects Human Love
2. Strengthens the Indissolubility of the Bond
3. Provides the Grace needed to be spouses & parents
Though these gifts are given initially at the wedding, they are renewed each day of the marriage.
The Celebration of Marriage (Wedding in the context of Mass)
A. Procession – in whatever order, it is a symbol of the Journey to God and draws attention to the fact that marriage is a means of sanctification of the spouses.
B. Liturgy of the Word – readings following the same format used at mass (Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle, Gospel). All of the readings reflect God’s plan for married love and the reflection of divine love found in the context of marriage.
C. Questions – to ensure the bride and groom are freely entering into marriage and understand what the mind of the Church is in regard to marriage.
D. Exchange of Consent (Vows) making a promise to be faithful for life
E. Exchange of Rings – a sign of permanent love and fidelity
F. Intercessions / Petitions
G. Liturgy of the Eucharist (with special NUPTIAL BLESSING before the sign of peace)
H. Cultural Rites
a. Taking flowers to the altar of the Blessed Virgin
b. joining with a double Rosary
c. Jumping the Broom
d. exchange of coins
e. binding wrists or draping with a tartan
f. the “unity candle”
Sexuality & Marriage
1. Unitive
2. Procreative
Opposition to Cohabitation
Temptation to Fornication
Violation of Chastiy
“Training for Divorce”
Opposition to Birth Control in All Forms
1. Barriers
2. Chemical / Hormone
3. Behaviors
4. Surgeries
Humanae Vitae - Pope Paul VI
Evangelium Vitae – Pope John Paul II
Love & Responsibility – Pope John Paul II
When Things Fall Apart
annulment vs. divorce - how are they different?
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Mr. B
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The Single Life
The Negative Response:
Those who say, "No, the single life is not a vocation" have a number of valid points:
1. The single state seems to be a transitional period. We are all born single, and we remain single only until we discern our calling to another state.
2. Scripture seems to suppor the idea that the single life was not part of God's plan for humanity.
In Genesis 2: 18 God says, "It is not good for man to be alone. I shall make a partner for him."
3. Unlike marriage, priesthood, or religious life, single life does not require a commitment to anything beyond one's self. A true vocation requires dedication to a person or group outside of yourself.
4. Most single people consider themselves open to the idea of marriage, but either have not found the right person, have given priority to their career, or simply are unwilling or unable to make the type of commitment required to enter into marriage or another vocation.
A metaphor to help understand this position would be that of an airplane. In this metaphor, an airplane on the ground would be the single life, and flying would be a vocation. When airplanes are made they are on the ground. Because of gravity, they remain on the ground. But airplanes are made to fly. Though they may wait at the airport for people to board the plane, or for repairs, or fuel, they eventually fulfill their purpose when they hit the runway and take off. Just because a plane might not be flying does not mean that it was built to sit on the ground.
The Positive Response:
Equally, those who support the idea of the single life as a vocation are not without their share of supporting arguments:
1. We know that by virtue of our baptism EVERY Christian shares in the Universal Call to Holiness. Therefore if someone is NOT called to the priesthood, marriage, or religious life they must be called to the single life as it is the only other option available.
2. Some people see their careers or other commitments as part of their vocation, and these commitments may not allow for marriage or entering into another vocation. For example careers in medicine and law require a high degree of dedication, which might preclude another vocation.
3. Scripture seems to support the idea that remaining single is preferable to marriage. In Matthew 19: 12 Jesus says, "Some have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it."
4. The Church opposes people engaging in homosexual relationships, and it cannot sanction or bless a so-called union of homosexual persons. Therefore, if one is a homosexual the dedicated single life is his or her vocation.
I don't have a metaphor for this one yet. I'm open to suggestions. You can e-mail them to me or submit them via school web lockers.
Take a look at this article for another perspective on the single vocation.
Until next time,
Ad Jesum per Mariam.
Mr. B
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Unit 3 - Formation
Every vocation has responsibilities and duties associate with it. In order to be prepared to undertake these responsibilities we go through a process of education and experience known as formation.
Your project is to first examine some Church documents regarding formation, then look to some real-life examples of how that formation takes place. You will put your findings together in a brief lesson and powerpoint presentation to share with the class.
Use the links at the left to assist you in your research.
The Lesson Plan should include the following areas:
Aspects of Formation
Length / Stages of Formation
Director(s) of Formation
Location of Formation
Goals of the Formation
The lesson should include a handout for members of the class highlighting the main points above. There should also be reflection questions for discussion.
You will need to consult the appropriate ecclesial documents for reference, as well as a variety of other sources (4 - 6 total).
Final product should be a power point presentation of 12 to 15 slides (max 20) to present the above material to your peers.