The Priesthood of the Faithful: A Theology of Hope for the Church
()
About this ebook
Edward J. Hahnenberg
Edward J. Hahnenberg is married and the father of eight children. He taught philosophy, theology, world history, comparative world religions, and creative writing in his forty years as a teacher. He has studied Greek, Hebrew, Latin, and Spanish extensively. He holds a BA in philosophy and an MA in biblical studies. He also holds advanced degrees, an MA and an Ed. S, in education. The Michigan Education Association honored him in 2000 for excellence in curriculum writing. He has authored: “The Religious Cantatas of J.S. Bach,” “The Evolution of the Belief in the Afterlife in the Old Testament,” and “The Children of the Apostles,” ISBN 1594675570.
Read more from Edward J. Hahnenberg
Table Talk with Martin Luther: A Modern Catholic's Conversations with the Founder of Protestantism Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBible Maker: Jerome: The Fascinating Story of the Author of the Latin Vulgate Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGod's Unusual Saints Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Vatican Iii Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Psalms of God's Tenderness: Commentaries on Divine Intimacy Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to The Priesthood of the Faithful
Related ebooks
Eleven Cardinals Speak on Marriage and the Family: Essays from a Pastoral Viewpoint Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Into All Truth: What Catholics Believe and Why Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPriests in Love with God and Eager to Witness to the Gospel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Progressive Voice in the Catholic Church in the United States: Association of Pittsburgh Priests, 1966–2019 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHoly in Christ: Thoughts on the Calling of God's Children to be Holy as He is Holy Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAdam Clarke's Bible Commentary in 8 Volumes: Volume 7, First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHoly Mysteries: Reflections on the Sacraments Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Living God and the Fullness of Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFinding God in Suffering Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSend Out Your Spirit: A Confirmation Candidate's Handbook for Faith Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEchoes of Eternity: Listening to the Father (Volume II) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsShadow and Substance: Eucharistic Controversy and English Drama across the Reformation Divide Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Spirit of Hope: Theology for a World in Peril Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Christian State of Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhat Do You Seek?: The Questions of Jesus as Challenge and Promise Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Great Apostasy: Considered in the Light of Scriptural and Secular History Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHow to Discern If God Calls You to Monastery Life: Wonders of Praying the Holy Rosary Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAn Account of the Life and Writings of S. Irenæus, Bishop of Lyons and Martyr Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Terebinth Tree: A Story About Orthodox Christians Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsYou Have the Words of Eternal Life: Reflections on the weekday readings for the liturgical year 2020/2021 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLay Spirituality: From Traditional to Postmodern Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSee Yourself Through God’s Eyes: 52 Meditations to Grow in Self-Esteem Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStaging Contemplation: Participatory Theology in Middle English Prose, Verse, and Drama Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsShepherds in the Image of Christ: The Centennial History of St. John’S ˜ Assumption Seminary Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFreedom is Coming: From Advent to Epiphany with the Prophet Isaiah Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Chief End of Man Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCome and See: An Eastern Orthodox Perspective on Contextualization Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsI Can Enter Your Life if You Let Me Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5How to Give a Home Run Homily: A Hard-Hitting Guide for Preachers, Teachers and Soul-Reachers Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMary for Today Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Christianity For You
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book of Enoch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That's Both Holy and Hot Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind... Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Reflections on the Psalms Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Winning the War in Your Mind Workbook: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Reviews for The Priesthood of the Faithful
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
The Priesthood of the Faithful - Edward J. Hahnenberg
Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Introduction
I. The Priesthood
of the Faithful
II. Lay Ministry and Ordained Priesthood
III. The Restored Permanent Diaconate
IV. The Exercise of the Priesthood of the Faithful
V. Priesthood of the Faithful: Sacrificial Aspects of Parenthood in the Education of Children
VI. The Role of Mary in the Priesthood of the Faithful
VII. The Need for an Educated Laity in the Priesthood of the Faithful Regarding Other Christian Religions
VIII. By Your Fruits You Will Know Them
IX. Self-denial
X. Prayer and Thanksgiving
XI. Works of Active Charity
XII. The Eucharist and the Priesthood of the Faithful
XIII. Suggestions for the Future
XIV. Concluding Thoughts
About the Author
Dedication
black.jpgI want to recognize the dedication of my mother, who for many years was the church sacristan, who donated of her time to assist in tutoring youngsters in our parish school, and who spent countless hours hand-sewing quilts for parish auction. These ministries, humble though they were, were true Christian ministries of charity. I want also to sing the praises of my wife of thirty-six years, Marlene, who, besides giving birth to nine children and rearing eight from infancy to childhood, was the chief teacher of our children by her selfless daily acts of caring. The Christian ministry of motherhood she exemplifies is in the mold of the Church’s mother Mary.
Edward J. Hahnenberg
Feb. 26, 2006
Acknowledgements
black.jpgI would like to recognize the efforts of those who have been instrumental in providing an ever-increasing library of resources on the Internet. I want to refer the reader to http://www.vatican.va/ for the Catholic documents from popes and councils alike. In addition, I referenced selected works which I have quoted by including bibliographical information in the text, thus eliminating footnotes and bibliography. Where scripture is quoted, the source is the NAB (New American Bible) published by several publishers in various editions.
Edward J. Hahnenberg
Introduction
black.jpgAlthough the universal Church of God is constituted of distinct orders of members, still, in spite of the many parts of its holy body, the Church subsists as an integral whole, just as the Apostle says: We are all one in Christ. No difference in office is so great that anyone can be separated, through lowliness, from the head. In the unity of faith and baptism, therefore, our community is undivided. There is a common dignity, as the apostle Peter says in these words: And you are built up as living stones into spiritual houses, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices which are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. And again: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart. 1 Peter 2:9.
For all, regenerated in Christ, are made kings by the sign of the cross; they are consecrated priests by the oil of the Holy Spirit, so that beyond the special service of our ministry as priests, all spiritual and mature Christians know that they are a royal race and are sharers in the office of the priesthood. For what is more king-like than to find yourself ruler over your body after having surrendered your soul to God? And what is more priestly than to promise the Lord a pure conscience and to offer him in love unblemished victims on the altar of one’s heart?
The above is read on November 10 each year by all who pray the Liturgy of the Hours, which would include the Pope, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and many of the faithful.
The author? Pope St. Leo the Great who occupied the papacy from 440-61. A great reformer of rules for the ordination of clerics, Leo was the most influential member of a group who met Attila the Hun and dissuaded him from sacking Rome.
The concept of the priesthood of the faithful and its implications for the Catholic Church is one of the hottest topics discussed in the Church today.
As this book was being written, the American bishops issued, in November, 2005, the document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
In the beginning of the document, the reality of lay ecclesial ministry is recognized:
All of the baptized are called to work toward the transformation of the world.
Most do this by working in the secular realm; some do this by working in the Church and focusing on the building of ecclesial communion, which has among its purposes the transformation of the world. Working in the Church is a path of Christian discipleship to be encouraged by the hierarchy. The possibility that lay persons undertake Church ministries can be grounded in Scripture and the teachings of the Church, from St. Paul, the Second Vatican Council and in more recent documents. Sharing in the function of Christ, priest, prophet and king, the laity have an active part of their own in the life and activity of the church. Their activity within the church communities is so necessary that without it the apostolate of the pastors will frequently be unable to obtain its full effect.
(Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Apostolate of the Lay People (Apostolicam Actuositatem) (AA), no. 10)
Today in parishes, schools, Church institutions, and diocesan agencies, laity