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. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.”.
A Definition of the Three Degrees of the Sacrament of Holy Orders
Bishops (episcopate) are those who have care of multiple congregations and have the task of appointing, ordaining, and disciplining priests and deacons.
They are often called ‘evangelists’ in the New Testament. Examples of first century bishops include Timothy and Titus (1 Tim. 5:19-22, 2 Tim. 4:5, Titus 1:5).
Priests (presbyterate) are also known as “presbyters”. In fact, the English term “priest” is simply a contraction of the Greek word “πρεσβύτερος” [presbyteros].
They have the responsibility of teaching, governing, and performing the sacraments in a given congregation (1 Tim. 5:17, Jas. 5:14-15).
Deacons (diaconate) are the assistants of the bishops and have the task of teaching and administering certain church functions, such as the distribution of food (Acts 6:1-6)’, Deacon of the Cup during Holy Mass, and other duties at the altar, along with whatever other duties the Bishop may assign.
BISHOP JOSEPH STRICKLAND
Vocations Director
Our Department of Vocations can help you to properly discern your path.
Contact Fr. Justin Braun, our Director of Vocations, and he will help you to begin the process of discernment.
