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: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.

Christ instituted Holy Orders when he chose the Twelve, gave them authority, and at the Last Supper said: 'Do this in remembrance of me.' The Holy Spirit was given them at Easter and Pentecost to fulfill their mission.

form

The consecratory prayer proper to each degree of orders.

matter

The laying on of hands by the bishop.

Only a validly consecrated bishop can validly confer the three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Only a baptized man validly receives sacred ordination.

• An indelible spiritual character
• Configuration to Christ as Priest, Prophet, and King
• The grace of the Holy Spirit proper to the order received
• The sacred power of teaching, sanctifying, and governing in the name of Christ

See the parish RCIA / OCIA office or your pastor for catechetical preparation.

• CCC 1536-1600