Holy Orders is the sacrament through which a baptized man is configured to Christ to act in persona Christi—in the person of Christ—as Head of the Church. It is one of the two sacraments of service, directed toward building up the people of God.
The bishop holds the fullness of Holy Orders. As a successor to the Apostles, he teaches, sanctifies, and governs. Only a bishop can validly ordain priests and other bishops. The Catechism states: “Episcopal ordination confers the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders” (CCC 1557).
Priests are co-workers of the bishop, ordained to preach the Gospel, celebrate the Eucharist, and shepherd the faithful. Christ instituted the priesthood at the Last Supper: “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19).
Deacons are ordained for service—diakonia. They assist at the liturgy, proclaim the Gospel, baptize, witness marriages, and lead funeral rites. The permanent diaconate, restored by Vatican II, allows married men to serve as deacons.
A vocation to the priesthood or diaconate is discerned through prayer, spiritual direction, and confirmation by the Church. Seminary formation includes philosophical and theological studies, spiritual direction, and pastoral experience.
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” — Matthew 9:37-38
Like Baptism and Confirmation, Holy Orders imprints an indelible spiritual character. Once validly ordained, a man is forever a priest—the sacrament cannot be repeated or undone.
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