Sacrament of Holy Orders
The sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time.
What is Holy Orders?
The sacrament of apostolic ministry.
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 (CCC 1536).
It includes three degrees: the episcopate (bishops), the presbyterate (priests) and the diaconate (deacons) (CCC 1554).
The sacrament is conferred by the laying on of hands by the bishop, followed by a solemn prayer of consecration (CCC 1573). Like Baptism and Confirmation, it confers an indelible spiritual character and cannot be repeated (CCC 1582).
Signs & effects
The three degrees of the sacrament (CCC 1555–1571).
Bishops
Receive the fullness of the sacrament; successors of the Apostles who teach, sanctify and govern.
CCC 1555–1561Priests
Co-workers of the bishops; they preach, celebrate the sacraments and shepherd the faithful.
CCC 1562–1568Deacons
Ordained for service: they assist at the liturgy, proclaim the Gospel and serve in charity.
CCC 1569–1571An indelible character
Configures the ordained to Christ, the Head of the Church, for ever.
CCC 1581–1583Who may receive Holy Orders
No one has a right to receive this sacrament; it is a call from God, discerned by the Church (CCC 1578).
- Only a baptized man validly receives sacred ordination.CCC 1577
- The candidate must be called by God and accepted by the Church’s authority.CCC 1578
- In the Latin Church, priests are normally chosen from men who intend to remain celibate for the sake of the Kingdom.CCC 1579
- Married men may be ordained permanent deacons.CCC 1579
How to prepare
If you think God may be calling you.
Pray
Bring the question to the Lord in prayer and in the Eucharist.
Talk to a priest
Speak with your parish priest or a priest you trust.
Discern
Learn about diocesan priesthood and the religious orders serving in our Vicariate.
Pray for vocations
Every parish is invited to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
At Holy Family Co-Cathedral
The schedule and requirements of Holy Family Co-Cathedral, Kuwait City.
Parish details coming soon
If you are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, please speak with a priest at Holy Family Co-Cathedral. Further information will be added here soon.