Holy Orders

The sacrament of Holy Orders is a sacred rite through which baptized men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops, and are empowered to serve the Church and minister to the faithful. It is considered one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, along with Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Matrimony. Holy Orders is rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ established a ministerial priesthood to continue his work of salvation and pastoral care in the world. Through this sacrament, individuals are called and consecrated to serve as representatives of Christ and act in his name within the Church.