Overview
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops in the Catholic Church. Through the laying on of hands by the bishop, the man being ordained is set apart for a life of service to the Church and is empowered to preach the Gospel, administer the sacraments, and provide pastoral care to the faithful.
At the heart of the sacrament of Holy Orders is the belief that the ordained person is called by God to a life of service to the Church. The sacrament is not just a recognition of the individual's talents or abilities, but a recognition of the call of God in their lives.
Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, men are called to live out their faith in a special way, by preaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments, and providing pastoral care to the faithful. The ordained person is called to be a servant leader, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and his apostles.
Whether you are a lifelong Catholic or someone exploring the Catholic Church, the sacrament of Holy Orders is a powerful reminder of the importance of service and leadership in the life of the Church. It is an invitation to consider how we can use our talents and gifts to serve others, and to be inspired by the example of those who have been called to serve as priests, deacons, and bishops in the Church.