Holy Orders

Like Baptism and Confirmation, Holy Orders confers an indelible spiritual character that can never be erased. The character imprinted by ordination is permanent; the vocation and mission received on the day of ordination mark the priest for ever.

This sacrament cannot be repeated or conferred temporarily.

The sacrament of Holy Orders communicates a sacred power which is none other than that of Christ himself.

The ordained minister acts in persona Christi Capitis, representing Christ as Head of the Church in the threefold role of priest, prophet, and king.

The grace of the Holy Spirit proper to this sacrament configures the ordained as Priest, Teacher, and Pastor.

Bishops receive strength to guide the Church with prudence and pastoral love; priests are granted gifts to proclaim the Gospel and offer spiritual sacrifices; deacons are dedicated to liturgical service and charity.

Through ordination, the priest is enabled to serve as Christ's instrument by a special grace of the Holy Spirit.

This configuration allows him to act not in his own name but in the name and person of Christ, making Christ's saving work present in the world.

The one sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred in three degrees. Bishops receive the fullness of the sacrament, taking the place of Christ as teacher, shepherd, and priest. Priests are co-workers of the bishops, configured to Christ and authorised to act in his person.

Deacons are ordained not to the priesthood but to the ministry of service, configured to Christ the servant. They assist at the liturgy, proclaim the Gospel, and dedicate themselves to works of charity.

The Church fathers emphasised the urgent need for personal sanctification befitting the dignity of priestly ministry.

The ordained are called to serve the Church with humility, following Christ's example of servant leadership, so that their lives bear witness to the Gospel they proclaim.