About Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. It is the sacrament of apostolic ministry, and bestowed upon bishops, priests, and deacons.

Any man who feels that the Lord might be inviting him to consider a vocation to either the priesthood or the permanent diaconate is welcome to contact one of our priests or deacons.

We also encourage you to visit the Vocations Office of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus to the discernment process of becoming a priest or deacon.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaching on the Sacrament of Holy Orders

The Nature of the Sacrament

  • Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission Christ entrusted to His apostles continues in the Church until the end of time (CCC 1536).

  • It confers a sacred power for the service of the faithful (CCC 1538).

The Degrees of Holy Orders

  • There are three degrees:

    1. Bishops (Episcopate) – successors of the apostles, fullness of the sacrament (CCC 1555–1558)

    2. Priests (Presbyterate) – co-workers with the bishops (CCC 1562–1568)

    3. Deacons (Diaconate) – ordained for service, not priesthood (CCC 1569–1571)

Institution by Christ

  • Christ instituted this sacrament at the Last Supper when He told the apostles: “Do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19; CCC 1337, 1539).

The Effects of the Sacrament of Holy Orders

  • Confers the grace of the Holy Spirit for a sacred ministry (CCC 1581).

  • Imprints an indelible spiritual character; ordination cannot be repeated (CCC 1582).

The Minister of Holy Orders

  • Only a validly consecrated bishop can confer Holy Orders (CCC 1576).

Requirements of the Ordained

  • The Latin Church requires celibacy for priests (except in certain cases); all candidates must be baptized men (CCC 1577–1579).

The Liturgical Celebration

  • Includes the laying on of hands and the consecratory prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit (CCC 1538, 1556).

 

Have Questions?

If you feel called to the priesthood or diaconate, please reach out to our pastor or deacons to discuss your next steps.