THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 

DEDICATING YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST

 

Holy Orders is the Sacrament of apostolic ministry through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. It includes three degrees: episcopate (bishops), presbyterate (priests), and diaconate (deacons). The Sacrament can be received by fully initiated Catholic men who are called by God to this Vocation, after years of discernment, studies, spiritual preparation and approval from the Church Magisterium. Like Baptism, Holy Orders marks the recipient with an indelible mark.