Holy Orders

The Catholic Church believes that some men are called to continue the mission of Christ in a special way, and there is a special sacrament of Holy Orders to confer this role upon them.

Expectations

Those in Holy Orders are called by God to perform a ministry which continues the work of the apostles.
Their first task is to proclaim the Word of God.
Part of their role includes acting as leaders of the liturgy (a set-out form of communal worship) and as ministers of the sacraments.
They also run parishes and help to support Catholics in local schools and hospitals.

Quotes about the Holy Orders

‘Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.’ [1 Timothy 3:1 NIV]
‘Holy Orders is a sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry.’ [CCC 1536]

During Mass

The sacrament takes place during Mass and is conferred by the laying on of hands and a prayer of consecration.
- ‘For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of hands.’ [2 Timothy 1:6 NIV]

Significance

The sacrament of Holy Orders is said to confer a special ‘mark’ from God on those who are ordained (in the sense that they have been specially chosen), and this is lifelong.
This is called ‘an indelible spiritual character’ [CCC 1582].

Degrees of Holy Orders

There are 3 degrees of Holy Orders, which are conferred on bishops, priests and deacons:

Deacons

Deacons are ordained to assist bishops and priests in their ministry. Some men remain deacons all their lives. This is called the permanent diaconate.

Priests

Priests are sometimes called co-workers of the bishops, and usually fulfil their ministry in serving people in parishes.

Bishops

Bishops are considered to be successors of the apostles, and usually have pastoral care over all the faithful in a diocese.

Duties and limitations

All ministers in Holy Orders can baptise, bless the commitment of marriage and anoint the sick.
Only priests and bishops can hear confessions, confirm, or preside over the Mass (the Eucharist).
Only Bishops can ordain others to be deacons, priests or bishops.

Views on Holy Orders

In the Catholic Church, only men can receive Holy Orders. Most Catholic priests are celibate (they abstain from marriage and sexual relations).

Married exceptions

Recently, some married priests who have converted from some other Christian denominations have been allowed to be ordained.
Many permanent deacons are married men and their ministry can be part-time, alongside their role as husbands and fathers.

Other denominations

Many other Christian Churches now allow men and women to be deacons, priests and bishops, and they have no commitment to celibacy.

Shortages

In modern times, there is a shortage of men coming forward to be ordained, and because of this, some people have called for the rule about celibacy to be lifted completely.

Women?

Some call for the ordination of women, but many Catholics argue that the rule that only men can be priests is something that can never change.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

Jump to other topics