25. THE SACRAMENTS OF VOCATION

25. THE SACRAMENTS OF VOCATION THROUGH HOLY ORDERS AND MATRIMONY, CHRISTIANS ARE GIVEN SPECIAL GRACES AND A PARTICULAR MISSION Compendium 321-353 Hebrews 7:26-28 Matthew 19: 4-6 Melchizedek foreshadowed the kingly priesthood of Christ, who offered himself on the cross to reconcile men to God. This is the heart of the sacramental priesthood that Christ shares with our priests. Priests are empowered to act in the very name of Christ. Deacons preparing for the priesthood are "transitional" and there are also "permanent" deacons who assist in the liturgy and sacramental life and especially caring for the needy. Only the Bishop can confer the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Marriage: Created in the divine image, man and woman are complementary. Unity-in-difference is at the heart of marriage. Man and woman are made for each other and for procreation. Spouses,United to Christ, are called to form a family which is a community of Faith, Prayer and Virtue.