Holy Orders

“Like living stones, let yourselves built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Baptized, Catholic men, who are called by God to be a deacon, priest or bishop, can be ordained and receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Through this sacrament, these men commit to serving God and his Church; they continue Christ’s priesthood.

Christ entrusted the apostles to continue his mission to spread the news of Christianity. Today, Holy Orders, given to bishops, priests and deacons, continues this mission in the Church, which is why it is referred to as the sacrament of apostolic ministry.

The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church. Bishops work together with the Pope and other bishops, and they are responsible for the entire Church—teaching, governing and sanctifying. Priests carry out the sacraments; consecrate the Body and Blood of Christ; administer the Eucharist; and proclaim the Word of God. Deacons assist during Mass, teach and are involved in charitable work.