Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry by which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues in the Church through the laying on of hands. It has three degrees — bishop, priest, and deacon — each conferring a permanent sacramental character (CCC 1536).

The Three Degrees

Bishops receive the fullness of the sacrament — the successors of the Apostles, responsible for teaching, sanctifying, and governing their particular Church. Priests are co-workers of the bishops who celebrate Mass, administer sacraments, and shepherd the faithful. Deacons are ordained for service — baptizing, proclaiming the Gospel, witnessing marriages, and performing works of charity (CCC 1554–1571).

The Sacramental Character

Holy Orders imprints an indelible character — a priest is always a priest, even if removed from active ministry. This is why ordination is never repeated (CCC 1582–1583).

Who Can Be Ordained

In the Latin Church, Holy Orders is reserved to baptized men. The Church teaches this reflects not a discipline but a divine law, following Christ's example in choosing only men as Apostles (CCC 1577–1580).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't women be ordained priests? The Church teaches she has no authority to ordain women — not because women are inferior, but because Christ himself chose only men as Apostles and the Church is bound by that choice. This is a matter of divine constitution, not human preference (CCC 1577).