Holy Orders is one of the Seven Sacraments, which are the physical signs of God’s Grace in the world. Holy Orders is the sacrament by which men receive the power to perform the actions and duties of a bishop, priest, or deacon. It is the continuation of Christ’s priesthood through apostolic succession and is essential so the Church can continue providing the sacraments to mankind. Bishops have the fullness of the priesthood and can ordain other men. Priests can offer holy mass, grant forgiveness of sins, and perform most other sacraments. Deacons can preach homilies, baptize, assist priests and bishops in their duties. They cannot consecrate the Eucharist or grant sacramental forgiveness of sins. Holy Orders leaves a spiritual mark on the man which cannot be erased, so the sacrament cannot be broken. Those who are granted Holy Orders are expected to live a life of holiness, service, and Charity.
“John 20:21-23 “As the Father has sent me, so I send you… Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them…” Christ giving authority to the Apostles.
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Apostolic mission and authority.
Acts 1:15 – 25 “… ‘His office let another take.’ So, one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
Acts 6:6 “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid hands on them.” The laying on of hands is the biblical sign of ordination.
Acts 13:2-3 “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul… Then after fasting and praying they laid hands on them and sent them off.”
1 Timothy 4:14 “Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.”
2 Timothy 1:6 “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.”
Titus 1:5 “I left you in Crete so that you might set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in every town…”
Hebrews 5:1-4 “Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God…” Basis for the priestly role in the New Covenant.
Baltimore Catechism: Lesson 31”
Illustration by: Colton Rompala