The sacrament by which deacons, priests, and bishops are ordained for apostolic ministry, consecrated in Christ’s name to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.
The Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry
Holy Orders consecrates men to serve the People of God in the person of Christ the Head. Through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, ordained ministers receive a special grace and spiritual power to teach, sanctify, and govern the Church. This sacrament ensures the continuation of Christ’s mission through the ages, with bishops succeeding the apostles, priests sharing in their ministry, and deacons serving in charity and proclamation. It is a gift to the Church, providing shepherds who lead the faithful toward salvation.
Scripture: “They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:6).
Catechism Reference: CCC 1555-1556: Amongst those various offices which have been exercised in the Church from the earliest times the chief place, according to the witness of tradition, is held by the function of those who, through their appointment to the dignity and responsibility of bishop, and in virtue consequently of the unbroken succession going back to the beginning, are regarded as transmitters of the apostolic line. To fulfill their exalted mission, “the apostles were endowed by Christ with a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit coming upon them, and by the imposition of hands they passed on to their auxiliaries the gift of the Spirit, which is transmitted down to our day through episcopal consecration.