Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the Octave of Christmas.

My dear Parishioners,

Peace! The ninth article of the Apostle’s Creed is “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.” There are thirty-five (35) In Brief passages in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding this article of the Creed. The following is a reflection on article 939.

The membership of the Church includes, of course, both lay people and the ordained. Having considered the Bishop of Rome particularly, it is good for us to also consider those others who receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders in light of our faith in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, founded by Christ Jesus the Lord.

The three grade of Holy Orders are further treated under the “Sacraments” section of the Catechism, but three (3) are mentioned here as well, namely, bishops, priests and deacons. The Bishops are to receive aid from Priests and Deacons. This is primarily done through the pastoral labors of the junior clergy. The Bishop sends his priests and deacons throughout the particular Church (diocese) to administer pastoral care. The practical aspect of this should be obvious: who can always be everywhere? (Only God!)

The aid and cooperation Priests give their Bishops is more often than not fulfilled in the daily ministry of the priest in the Parish. But there are other venues as well whereby the Bishop is able to receive the aid an cooperation of his priests, the presbyteral council, various boards and committees. Perhaps the greatest aid and cooperation Priests can give their Bishop come from prayer, especially the memento during the Eucharistic prayer of the Holy Mass.

A threefold task is given to a Bishop upon his ordination and consecration: to teach authentically the Faith, to celebrate the divine cult (esp. Eucharist), to lead the Church in various fields. What is taught is the truth about God who has made us and redeemed us and calls us to holy living. The truths of faith and morals are the specific matter which the Bishops are to authentically teach about in the name and person of Christ the head. By the reverent administration of the various Sacraments, personally and with the collaboration of his Priests and Deacons, the Bishops fulfill their responsibility toward the divine cult (worship of God). Another way to describe the Bishop’s responsibility to lead the Church in various fields is to speak about governance. By assigning various Priests and Deacons throughout the diocese the Bishop’s direct the pastoral care of souls.

Bishops care not only for their own diocese but also have as their charge the care of all the Churches with and under the Pope. While, for example, the Diocese of Knoxville is made up of the thirty-six (36) eastern most counties in Tennessee and the Bishops of Knoxville are charged with the spiritual well-being of the faithful entrusted to their care, this does not allow for a blind eye to be turned to the rest of the world and all the other dioceses.

God bless you!

Father John Arthur Orr