Holy Orders is a Sacrament by which bishops, priests, and other ministers of the Church are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. Christ ordained the Apostles at the Last Supper when He said, “Do this is remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). To receive Holy Orders worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace, to have the necessary knowledge and a divine call to this sacred office. Christians should look upon the priests of the Church as the messengers of God and the dispensers of His mysteries. Only bishops can confer the Sacrament of Holy Orders. For more information, see the Catechism 1536-1600.
Since the beginning, the ordained ministry has been conferred and exercised in three degrees: that of bishops, that of presbyters (priests), and that of deacons” (CCC 1593).
Do you feel you are being called?
Think Priest
For Your Vocation