What are the three degrees of the Sacrament of Holy Orders?
The Sacrament of 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 comprises three distinct degrees: the episcopate (bishops), the presbyterate (priests), and the diaconate (deacons).
Bishops receive the fullness of the sacrament, succeeding the Apostles and serving as pastors of local dioceses in union with the Pope. Priests are co-workers of the bishops, consecrated to preach the Gospel, shepherd the faithful, and celebrate the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Confession. Deacons are ordained not unto the priesthood, but unto ministry and service (diakonia), assisting at the altar, baptising, presiding at weddings and funerals, and ministering to the poor.
Like Baptism and Confirmation, Holy Orders imprints an indelible sacramental character on the soul and can never be repeated or undone.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1536
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1554
- 1 Timothy 3:1
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