Hey there,
I attended Catholic school from third grade through high school. In grade school, we attended Mass every Friday. And during Lent, we often went to Stations of the Cross on Fridays. Sometimes it was the whole school and other times it was just our class.
I really wanted to be an altar server. I didn’t understand why girls weren’t allowed. But, according to our Priest, “If God wanted girls to be altar servers, He would have made altar girls.”
So you can imagine my delight when my 6th grade class went over to the chapel for Stations of the Cross one Friday and our teacher, Sister Margaret, let me and two of my girlfriends hold the Crucifix and the Candles for Stations.
That was the closest I ever got to altar serving.
33 years later though, I beamed with joy as my daughter became an altar server at the same Church!
I’m not sure when or why girls were allowed to become altar servers. I can’t help but think it’s a great way for girls to be exposed to service in the Church, potentially leading to more deciding to join a religious order.
I don’t expect the role of women to change in the Catholic Church with regards to the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Nor do I believe it should. It’s a Sacrament that only applies to a small percentage of men, but it’s a good idea for us all to understand what the Sacrament is all about.
So this week’s issue of Genuflect continues our focus on the 7 Sacraments with a look at what those who are ordained go through to become a Priest or Deacon, what they commit to, and the options available to them.
It’s certainly not an easy job. They sacrifice so much for us. We should remember to always keep them in our prayers … and to pray for an increase in the Priestly vocations.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
The origins of priesthood go back to the Old Testament when the tribe of Levi was chosen to serve as priests to the Israelites. Here’s who is eligible to be ordained a priest today, the three levels of ordination, and the effects of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders in The Catholic Church | Learn Religions
Holy Orders Definitions
St. George Catholic Parish in Arizona provides this handy FAQ about the Sacrament of Holy Orders featuring answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The Definition of The Sacrament of Holy Orders | St. George Roman Catholic Parish
The 3 Levels of Ordination
Within the Sacrament of Holy Orders, there are 3 levels: bishop, priest, and deacon. James Campbell explains the differences between the three levels.
Sacrament of Holy Orders | Loyola Press
The Ordination Ceremony
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops provides this FAQ about Priests’ Ordination, including some of the symbols used during the ceremony.
FAQs- Priesthood, Ordination, Seminary | USCCB
Becoming a Catholic Priest
Deciding to become a Priest is not a light decision. Nor is the path an easy one. Here’s an overview of who can become a priest and the steps to ordination.
How to Become a Catholic Priest | Scripture Catholic
Bishop v. Archbishop v. Cardinal
In addition to Bishops, in the Catholic Church there are also Archbishops and Cardinals. Each role carries different responsibilities.
Bishop, Archbishop or Cardinal? | Simply Catholic
15 Facts About The Papacy
The Bishop of Rome is the successor of the first Pope, Saint Peter, and the leader of the Catholic Church. Here are 15 facts about the office and its 266 Popes.
15 Fascinating Facts About The History of That Ancient Office: The Papacy | ChurchPOP
Becoming a Deacon
There are two types of Deacons: Transitional and Permanent. Transitional are the ones who are becoming Priests. Permanent are the ones who serve our Parish. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has put together this FAQ about Deacons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deacons | USCCB
9 Religious Orders
There have been hundreds of religious orders throughout the history of the church. Here’s an overview of 9 of the most important ones.
What You Need to Know About 9 of The Most Important Religious Orders | ChurchPOP
Study: The Death of Religious Orders
This study looks at the fate of more than 100 religious orders in the 50 years following the Second Vatican Council. Though some have grown in membership, the majority experienced a decline. When grouped together the researchers are able to see some similarities and hope the thriving religious orders will be emulated.
The Data on The Death of Religious Orders: How Does Your Favorite Measure up? | One Peter Five
Why No Women Priests
One of the more frequently questioned aspects of Priesthood in the Catholic Church is why women can’t become Priests. Briana Huddleston explains we first need to understand the high view that Jesus had of women.
Women and the Ministerial Priesthood | Catholic Stand
genuflect: related
We covered the other Sacraments of the Catholic Church, so you can take a deeper dive into each one:
Receiving Grace From The Sacraments
Shining a Light on Our Baptismal Calling
Driving Graces With The Sacrament of Confirmation
Joining With Christ in The Sacrament of Communion
Celebrating The Sacrament of Matrimony
Utilizing The Sacrament of Confession
Requesting The Sacrament of The Anointing of The Sick
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