Orders (Holy)
The sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church.
The Apostolic Ministry
The sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. This sacrament includes three degrees — episcopate (bishops), presbyterate (priests), and diaconate (deacons) — each conferred by the laying on of hands and a prayer of consecration (CCC 1536, 1554, 1569). Holy Orders confers a sacred power for the service of the faithful and imprints an indelible sacramental character on the soul (CCC 1597).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three degrees of Holy Orders? The sacrament includes the episcopate (bishops), presbyterate (priests), and diaconate (deacons).
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Browse
All glossary terms
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated inspiration, delivered to your inbox.
We never share your data. See Privacy Policy for more info.