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Holy Orders

- 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: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1536.
  
  Holy Orders consists of three degrees: Episcopate (Bishops), Presbyterate (Priests), and Diaconate (Deacons). Catholic men who are ordained by means of the Sacrament of Holy Orders have the extremely important role of serving the sacramental and spiritual needs of the People of God in the Catholic Church.
  
  In keeping with the hierarchy, a baptized man must first be ordained a deacon before being ordained a priest and ordained a priest before being ordained a bishop. That means that each priest and each bishop has experienced the Sacrament of Holy Orders more than once, but he experiences ordination to each level only once. Some men chose to remain in service to the Church as a Permanent Deacon, not advancing to the priesthood. A married man may be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate, but priests must be unmarried prior to ordination and remain celibate.
  
  Bishops have the power and authority to celebrate all seven sacraments of the Church: Baptism, Penance, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders. A bishop is appointed by the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, and by ancient practice is ordained by several bishops. Episcopal ordination confers the offices of sanctifying, teaching, and ruling. The Bishop is a legitimate successor of the apostles and is responsible with the other bishops for the apostolic mission of the Church.
  Priests have the power and authority to celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, the Holy Eucharist (Mass), Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick. While dependent on the bishop in the exercise of their own proper power, they are the co-workers of the bishop. In the Mass the priest exercises in a supreme degree his sacred office, and acting in the person of Christ they make present again the unique sacrifice of Christ which brought about our salvation.
  Deacons can celebrate the sacrament of Baptism, and may officiate at marriages and funerals outside of Mass, as well as assist the bishop or priest at Mass, proclaim the Gospel and preach. The role of the deacon is to serve the clergy and the People of God.
  
  If you are considering becoming a priest or permanent deacon and would like more information, or perhaps know someone who would make a good priest or deacon, please contact Sister Francesca at the Parish Office at 248-644-8620 or by email at [email protected].
  
  More about Vocations