2. Baptized man and woman enter a lifelong
commitment as faithful, loving partners
Accept God’s calling
Represents God’s covenants (promises)
Jesus’ mission upheld the sanctity of marriage
In most sacraments, Jesus offers God’s grace through an
ordained minister who celebrates the sacrament, but in
the Sacrament of Matrimony, the bride and groom
confer the sacrament on each other and Jesus acts
through them
3. Jesus remains with the married couple
Married couples are strengthened to serve God and the
church
4. Jesus shared his ministry with the 12 Apostles in a
special way
After the Resurrection, Jesus gave the Apostles the
authority to continue His work
“As the Father sent me, so I send you”
The Apostles gathered communities of believers and
acted as the leaders
Served the community
Worship, assisted the sick, preached
5. Bishops = successors of the Apostles
Other local leaders worked with the bishops, priests
(presbysters)
Bishops “consecrated” those by laying on of hands
(Holy Orders)
6. Ministerial priesthood
Deacons; assist priest and bishops
Priest; preach the Gospel and serve faithfully
Bishop; receives the fullness of the Apostle’s mission of
leadership and service
Episcopate, presbyter ate, diaconate
