Holy Orders

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The Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry by which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church through the laying on of hands. This Sacrament has three distinct degrees or "Orders": Deacon, Priest, Bishop. All three confer a permanent, sacramental character. (cc 1536)

Catholic doctrine, expressed in the liturgy, The Magisterium, and the constant practice of the Church, recognizes there are two degrees of ministerial participation in the priesthood of Christ the episcopacy and the presbyterate. The diaconate is intended to help and serve them. For this reason the term sacerdos in current usage denotes bishops and priests but not deacons. Yet Catholic doctrine teaches that the degrees of priestly participation (episcopate and presbyterate) and the degree of service (diaconate) are all three conferred by the sacramental act called "ordination," that is, by the sacrament of Holy Orders:

Let everyone revere the deacons as Jesus Christ, the bishop as the image of the Father, and the presbyters as the senate of God and the assembly of the apostles. For without them one cannot speak of the Church. (St. Ignatius of Antioch)If your interested in more information or have any questions please contact Fr. Jay 440-564-5805