What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which baptized men are consecrated to participate in the priesthood of Christ through ordination. It has three degrees: bishops (who have the fullness of the sacrament and oversee dioceses), priests (who assist bishops in pastoral care, teaching, and sacraments), and deacons (who serve in charity, liturgy, and proclamation of the Gospel). The rite involves the laying on of hands by a bishop and a prayer of consecration, invoking the Holy Spirit.
Men become priests today as always -- by the sacrament of holy orders -- the laying on of the bishop's hands and prayer. Through this sacrament Christ changes the man internally, giving him the powers of the priesthood. There are different orders or degrees in the priesthood: a deacon, a priest, and a bishop. Priests and bishops are not married, although there are some priests who are ministers from another faith tradition who join the Catholic Church and want to serve as a priest. If you have any questions or are interested in the priesthood and/or permanent diaconate please call the Church Office or visit the Diocesan website.
In simpler terms, it's how the Church "passes the torch" from the apostles to today's leaders, empowering them to celebrate sacraments, guide the faithful, and serve the community.
Why is Holy Orders Important?
This sacrament is crucial for the Church's life and mission, as it provides ordained ministers who can celebrate the Eucharist, forgive sins, and lead the community. Without it, the Church could not sustain its sacramental and pastoral functions. It reflects Christ's role as High Priest and ensures the faithful have access to God's grace through ordained service.
For non-Catholics, think of it as a formal commissioning that equips leaders with spiritual authority, similar to how some professions require ordination or licensing, but with a divine dimension.
What Are the Effects of Holy Orders?
Ordination confers an indelible spiritual mark (character) on the soul, which cannot be repeated or removed. It grants the grace and authority to act in the person of Christ (in persona Christi), especially in sacraments like the Eucharist. Bishops receive the fullness of this grace, priests share in it for their ministry, and deacons for service. It also binds the ordained to celibacy in the Latin Rite (though married men can be deacons, and Eastern Rites allow married priests).
In practical terms, this means ordained men are permanently dedicated to service, with God's help to fulfill their roles faithfully.
How Does Holy Orders Happen?
Preparation: Candidates undergo extensive formation, often years of seminary training for priests and bishops, including theology, philosophy, pastoral skills, and spiritual direction. Deacons may have shorter programs, especially if married. This ensures they are ready intellectually, morally, and spiritually.
The Ceremony: Ordination occurs during a special Mass. For priests, the bishop lays hands on the candidate and prays the consecratory prayer; the new priest is vested and anointed. Bishops are ordained by at least three bishops for collegiality. Deacons receive laying on of hands and vesting. It's a public event, symbolizing the Church's involvement.
Who Can Receive Holy Orders?
Only baptized Catholic men can receive this sacrament, as the Church teaches that Christ chose men as apostles, and the ordained represent Christ the Bridegroom to the Church the Bride. Women cannot be ordained, per Church teaching. Candidates must be called by God, discerned through the Church, and meet requirements like age (usually 25+ for priests), celibacy (for Latin Rite priests and bishops), and moral fitness.
Non-Catholics cannot receive it unless they convert and are called to ministry.
Why Do Catholics Believe This?
Catholics believe in Holy Orders based on Scripture (e.g., Jesus choosing the Twelve apostles in Mark 3:13-19, and their laying on of hands in Acts 6:6 and 1 Timothy 4:14) and Tradition. It's seen as Christ's way of ensuring His presence and authority in the Church through successors.
For non-Catholics, this belief underscores the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church, distinguishing it from denominations with less formal ordination or congregational leadership.
Additional Resources
- For the full text on Holy Orders, visit the Catechism of the Catholic Church online: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c3a6.htm
- For information on vocations or discernment, check your local diocese or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: https://www.usccb.org/committees/clergy-consecrated-life-vocations
