Sacraments at the Service of Communion
Holy Orders
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About This Sacrament
Sacraments at the Service of Communion
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.
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. Through a special gift of the Holy Spirit, this sacrament enables the ordained to exercise a sacred power in the name and with the authority of Christ for the service of the People of God. It is composed of three degrees: the episcopate, the presbyterate and the diaconate.
iKey Aspects
- The three degrees of Holy Orders are: bishop (episcopate), priest (presbyterate), and deacon (diaconate).
- Only validly ordained bishops, as successors of the apostles, can confer the sacrament of Holy Orders.
- This sacrament can only be validly received by a baptized man.
- Ordination confers an indelible spiritual character and cannot be repeated.
- Celibacy is required for the episcopacy and for the priesthood in the Latin Church.
+Graces & Effects
- A special outpouring of the Holy Spirit configuring the recipient to Christ
- Indelible spiritual character that cannot be repeated
- The grace to exercise sacred power in the person of Christ the Head
- The authority to teach, sanctify, and rule the People of God
Schedule
For those discerning a vocation to the priesthood or diaconate, please contact the Diocesan Vocations Office.
Get in Touch
Contact: Diocesan Vocations Office
Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 322-336