RCIA Resource – Session 36

Holy Orders and Matrimony — Christ’s Mission Continued

RCIA – Session 36
This session forms part of a structured introduction to the Catholic Faith used in parish RCIA. It is intended to be read slowly and prayerfully, alongside participation in the life of the Church. This material is offered for formation and reflection. Reception into the Catholic Church always involves personal discernment and parish accompaniment.

Aim of this session

By the end of this session, participants should understand that:

  • Christ continues His saving work through specific vocations
  • Holy Orders and Matrimony are sacraments ordered to others
  • authority and service belong together
  • love and sacrifice are central to vocation
  • the Catholic Faith is lived, not merely believed

This session asks:

How does Christ continue His mission in the world today?

1. The Faith Must Be Lived and Handed On

Throughout this course we have seen that:

  • Christ redeemed the world
  • He founded the Church
  • He gives grace through the sacraments

But salvation is not lived in isolation.

Christ wills that:

  • His truth be taught
  • His grace be given
  • His love be made visible

For this, He established vocations.

2. Sacraments Ordered to Service

The Church teaches that:

  • some sacraments sanctify the individual primarily
  • others are ordered toward the salvation of others

Holy Orders and Matrimony are:

Sacraments of service and mission.

They exist not for personal fulfilment first,
but for the good of the Church and the world.

3. Holy Orders

Holy Orders is:

The sacrament by which bishops, priests, and deacons receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties.

It is not:

  • a profession only
  • a leadership role invented by the Church

It is a sacrament instituted by Christ.

Penny Catechism

Q. What is Holy Orders?
A. Holy Orders is the sacrament by which bishops, priests, and deacons are ordained for the service of the Church.

4. The Purpose of Holy Orders

Through Holy Orders, Christ provides:

  • teachers of truth
  • ministers of the sacraments
  • shepherds of His people

The ordained priest:

  • does not act in his own name
  • acts in the person of Christ

This ensures that:

  • the sacraments remain Christ’s actions
  • the Church remains faithful to her mission

Authority in Holy Orders exists to serve salvation.

5. Matrimony

Matrimony is:

The sacrament by which a man and a woman are united in a lifelong bond for mutual help and the procreation and education of children.

It is not:

  • a private contract
  • a social arrangement only

It is a sacrament instituted by Christ.

Penny Catechism

Q. What is Matrimony?
A. Matrimony is the sacrament which unites a man and a woman in lawful marriage.

6. The Purpose of Matrimony

Matrimony exists for:

  • the good of the spouses
  • the gift of new life
  • the upbringing of children in the faith

Marriage reflects:

  • Christ’s faithful love for the Church
  • love that is permanent, fruitful, and self-giving

Through Matrimony:

  • family life becomes a place of grace
  • the faith is lived daily

7. Vocation and Sacrifice

Both Holy Orders and Matrimony require:

  • commitment
  • fidelity
  • sacrifice

They teach the same truth:

Love is proven by self-giving.

Vocation is not about self-expression.
It is about self-gift.

8. The Faith Handed On

Through these vocations:

  • the Church teaches
  • the Church sanctifies
  • the Church grows

Children are formed.
Souls are guided.
The Gospel is lived.

Christ’s mission continues through human lives.

9. Bringing the Whole Journey Together

Over these 36 weeks we have seen:

  • God created us
  • sin wounded us
  • Christ redeemed us
  • the Church was founded
  • grace is given through the sacraments
  • life is lived in faith, hope, and charity

The Catholic Faith is:

  • coherent
  • demanding
  • life-giving

It calls for a response.

10. What Is Being Asked of You Now

At the end of this journey, the question is simple and serious:

Do I wish to live fully within the life Christ offers in His Church?

That question leads naturally to:

  • Baptism (if not yet baptised)
  • full communion with the Church
  • a life shaped by the sacraments

The Church does not coerce.
She invites.

11. Questions for Reflection

Take time to reflect:

  • Where do I see God calling me?
  • How has my understanding changed?
  • What step is Christ asking me to take now?

12. Closing Summary

Christ redeemed the world.
Christ founded the Church.
Christ gives grace through the sacraments.
Christ continues His mission through vocation.

The Catholic Faith is not merely believed.
It is lived.

Optional Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
You have called us into the life of Your Church.
Give us courage to respond to Your call,
faith to trust Your grace,
and perseverance to walk with You always.
Amen.