Holy Orders

All the baptized share in the priesthood of Christ. Yet some men are called to serve the Lord and his Church in a particular way, through the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. In this rite, they receive a permanent spiritual mark — a character — signifying that they stand in the Church as a sign of Christ himself.

Three Degrees of One Sacrament

• Bishop (Episcopate) — receives the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, shepherding the local Church in the line of the apostles.
• Priest (Presbyterate) — co-worker with the bishop, consecrating the Eucharist and shepherding God's people in the parishes.
• Deacon (Diaconate) — ordained for service: the ministry of the word, the liturgy, and works of charity.

In Brief (CCC 1590–1600)

The Catechism gathers the heart of this teaching:

• The whole Church is a priestly people: through Baptism all the faithful share in the "common priesthood." The ministerial priesthood of Holy Orders differs in essence and serves that common priesthood.
• From the beginning, the ordained ministry has been exercised in three degrees — bishop, presbyter (priest), and deacon — each essential to the Church.
• The bishop receives the fullness of the sacrament; priests are his co-workers; deacons are ordained for service.
• Holy Orders is conferred by the laying on of hands followed by a solemn prayer of consecration, imprinting an indelible character that cannot be repeated.
• The Church confers Holy Orders only on baptized men; in the Latin Church, priests are ordinarily chosen from men ready to embrace celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom.

Is God Calling You?

Is the Lord inviting you to serve him through Holy Orders — as a priest or a deacon? Discernment begins with prayer and an honest conversation. You are not alone in asking the question, and there are people eager to walk with you as you listen for God's call.