The Sacrament of Holy Orders

...and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

(1 Peter 2:5)

What is Holy Orders?

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His Apostles continues in the Church. This mission is carried out through three degrees:

  • Episcopate (Bishops)
  • Presbyterate (Priests)
  • Diaconate (Deacons)

“Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time...” — Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1536)

Three Degrees of Holy Orders

The structure of the Church depends on these sacred offices:

  • Bishops have the fullness of the priesthood and oversee dioceses.
  • Priests are co-workers with the bishop and serve in parishes.
  • Deacons assist in service, Word, and charity.

“Without the bishop, presbyters, and deacons, one cannot speak of the Church.” — CCC 1593

The Rite of Ordination

Ordination is the liturgical act by which Holy Orders is conferred:

  • Laying on of Hands by the bishop
  • Solemn Prayer of Consecratio
  • Indelible Mark of ordination received by the candidate

“Ordination imprints an indelible sacramental character.” — CCC 1597

Who Can Receive Holy Orders?

The Church ordains only baptized men (Latin: viri) who:

  • Are deemed suitable by Church authority
  • Are called by the Church
  • Freely choose to embrace celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom (in the Latin Rite)

“Church authority alone has the responsibility and right to call someone to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.” — CCC 1598

“...only on candidates who are ready to embrace celibacy freely...” — CCC 1599

Clergy and the Lay Faithful: One Body in Christ

While ordained clergy serve a distinct role, the laity also share in the priesthood of Christ in their own way.

“Though they differ from one another in essence and not only in degree, the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood are nonetheless interrelated...” — Lumen Gentium 10

The ordained priest acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), especially in the Eucharist.

The faithful offer spiritual sacrifices through prayer, service, and witness.

Summary

  • Holy Orders ensures the continuation of Christ’s mission through ordained clergy.
  • Bishops, priests, and deacons each play an essential role in the life of the Church.
  • Ordination is a sacred rite that confers a permanent spiritual character.
  • Only baptized men may be ordained, according to the discernment of the Church.
  • The mission of the ordained is complementary to the mission of the laity