Hearing God's Call

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the ordained ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons is conferred by the laying on of hands followed by the prayer of consecration.

 

Our ordained ministers serve the Catholic community by:

• Preaching and teaching the good news of Jesus Christ

• Leading us in celebrating the sacraments

• Leading us in working together to build up the Christian community

• Helping us serve the poor and all those in need.

The sacrament of Holy Orders is celebrated during Mass. Only a bishop can ordain another bishop, priest or deacon. In ordaining priests, the bishop lays his hands on the head of each candidate and prays silently. This is the most important sign n the sacrament of Holy Orders. Then the bishop prays a prayer of consecration or the prayer that “makes holy”. Each candidate for the priesthood is also anointed with holy oil. This is a sign of his special sharing in Christ’s own priesthood through the ordained ministry. Each new priest receives a paten and a chalice with which to lead the community in celebrating the Eucharist. Priests are Christ’s representatives on earth. Like Baptism and Confirmation, Holy Orders confers an indelible character and cannot be repeated.​​