Holy Orders

What Is Holy Orders?

Holy Orders is the Sacrament through which Christ gives the Church bishops, priests, and deacons to serve His people.

Through Holy Orders, men are ordained for sacred ministry and receive grace to teach, sanctify, and shepherd the Church.

This Sacrament continues the mission Christ entrusted to the Apostles.

“As the Father hath sent me, I also send you.” — John 20:21

Why Does the Church Need Holy Orders?

Jesus did not leave His Church without shepherds.

He chose the Apostles, gave them authority, and sent them to preach, baptize, forgive sins, celebrate the Eucharist, and care for His people.

Holy Orders ensures that this apostolic ministry continues in the Church.

The Three Degrees of Holy Orders

Holy Orders has three degrees:

Bishops

Bishops are successors of the Apostles. They receive the fullness of Holy Orders and are entrusted with teaching, governing, and sanctifying the Church.

Priests

Priests share in the ministry of the bishop. They preach the Gospel, celebrate the Eucharist, forgive sins in Confession, anoint the sick, and shepherd the faithful.

Deacons

Deacons are ordained for service. They assist at the altar, proclaim the Gospel, preach, baptize, witness marriages, and serve the poor.

Bishops: Successors of the Apostles

Catholics believe that bishops continue the ministry of the Apostles through apostolic succession.

This succession is handed on through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration.

Bishops are responsible for preserving the faith, celebrating the sacraments, and guiding the Church entrusted to them.

“Take heed to yourselves, and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the church of God.” — Acts 20:28

Priests: Co-Workers of the Bishops

Priests are ordained to serve God’s people in union with their bishop.

Their ministry is centered especially on preaching the Word, celebrating the Mass, forgiving sins, and shepherding souls.

When a priest celebrates the Sacraments, Christ acts through him.

Deacons: Ordained for Service

Deacons are ordained ministers who serve the Church in charity, word, and liturgy.

Their ministry reminds the Church that all authority in Christ is ordered toward humble service.

Deacons may baptize, proclaim the Gospel, preach, assist at Mass, witness marriages, and serve those in need.

The Laying On of Hands

Holy Orders is conferred through the laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination.

This practice comes from the Apostles and is seen throughout the New Testament.

“Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the priesthood.” — 1 Timothy 4:14

Holy Orders and the Eucharist

The priesthood is deeply connected to the Eucharist.

Through ordained priests, Christ makes present His sacrifice at Mass and gives His Body and Blood to the faithful.

Without the priesthood, there would be no celebration of the Eucharist in the ordinary life of the Church.

Holy Orders and Confession

Christ gave the Apostles authority to forgive sins in His name.

Priests continue this ministry through the Sacrament of Confession.

When a priest gives absolution, Christ Himself forgives through the ministry of the Church.

“Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them.” — John 20:23

Holy Orders Is a Sacrament of Service

Holy Orders is not given for personal status or privilege.

It is given for service.

Bishops, priests, and deacons are ordained to serve Christ and His Church.

Their authority is meant to be pastoral, sacrificial, and ordered toward the salvation of souls.

Common Misunderstandings

Holy Orders Is Not a Job Promotion

Ordination is a Sacrament and a vocation, not simply a career step.

Priests Do Not Replace Christ

Priests act as instruments of Christ. Christ remains the true High Priest.

Ordained Ministers Are Not Sinless

Bishops, priests, and deacons are human beings in need of God’s grace.

Authority in the Church Is for Service

Christian authority is meant to serve, teach, sanctify, and shepherd God’s people.

Key Truths About Holy Orders

• Holy Orders is one of the seven Sacraments.
• Holy Orders continues the apostolic ministry in the Church.
• There are three degrees of Holy Orders: bishop, priest, and deacon.
• Bishops are successors of the Apostles.
• Priests share in the ministry of the bishop.
• Deacons are ordained for service.
• Holy Orders is conferred through the laying on of hands and prayer.
• Ordained ministry exists for the salvation and service of God’s people.

What Does This Mean For Me?

Holy Orders reminds us that Christ continues to shepherd His Church.

Through bishops, priests, and deacons, Jesus continues to teach, sanctify, forgive, nourish, and guide His people.

This Sacrament is a gift to the whole Church because it helps preserve apostolic faith, sacramental life, and pastoral care across every generation.

Explore the Sacraments

Continue Learning

Now that you understand Holy Orders, the next Sacrament is: Matrimony

Learn how Christ raises marriage to a Sacrament and makes it a sign of His love for the Church.