Sacrament
Holy Orders
Sacrament at the Service of Communion
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.
What the Church teaches
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.
Institution
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.
Matter and form
- Form
The consecratory prayer proper to each degree of orders.
- Matter
The laying on of hands by the bishop.
Minister
Only a validly consecrated bishop can validly confer the three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders.
Recipient
Only a baptized man validly receives sacred ordination.
Effects
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
Preparation
See the parish RCIA / OCIA office or your pastor for catechetical preparation.
Catechism references
- CCC 1536-1600