What is the Sacrament of 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.

The sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament by which men are ordained for “official” ministry within the Catholic Church. It has three degrees:  ordination as deacon, priest or bishop. The most common “order” is that of priesthood. Priests are first ordained as non-permanent deacons, then as priests. Priests may also be ordained to the order of bishops

From the earliest days of the Church, men have also been ordained as permanent deacons. These men may be married or single.  Deacons are ministers ordained for tasks of service in the Church. Deacons do not receive the ministerial priesthood, but ordination confers on them important functions in the ministry of the word, divine worship, pastoral governance and especially the service of charity.

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 baptised, 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 baptised. It is intended to unfold the baptismal grace of all Christians.  The ministerial priesthood is the means by which Christ continues to build up and lead his Church.