Holy Orders
The sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time, through the ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons.
Holy Orders confers a sacred power for the service of the faithful, exercised in three degrees: bishop, priest, and deacon. It is the means by which the Church's apostolic ministry is perpetuated.
Scriptural Basis: Luke 22:19 ('Do this in remembrance of me.' - referring to the institution of the priesthood), Acts 6:6 ('These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.' - referring to the institution of deacons), 1 Timothy 4:14 ('Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you.').
Imprints an indelible spiritual character (character) on the soul, confers sanctifying grace, and bestows the specific graces needed for the faithful exercise of the ministry (e.g., to preach, celebrate sacraments, govern).
For men who are baptized, called by God, have sufficient knowledge and maturity, are committed to celibacy (for priests and bishops in the Latin Rite), and are deemed worthy by the Church. Extensive formation and discernment are required.
Three Degrees
Episcopate (bishops, successors of the apostles), Presbyterate (priests, co-workers with the bishop), and Diaconate (deacons, assisting bishops and priests in ministry).
Minister
Only validly ordained bishops can confer the Sacrament of Holy Orders.