HOLY ORDERS

The  Sacrament of 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. This is a sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate (bishop), presbyterate (priest), and diaconate (deacon).

All Christians participate in the one priesthood of Christ. The whole community of believers is, as such, priestly. Through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation the faithful are “consecrated to be… a holy priesthood.” Those who, after being baptized, receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders, also become part of the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood. The ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood of all the baptized. It is intended to unfold the baptismal grace of all Christians. The ministerial priesthood is one of the means by which Christ continues to build up and lead his Church.

Read More: Catechism of the Catholic Church (1536-1600)

 +  Fr. John Phillips writings on Ordained Ministry

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