Holy Orders

Baptism assigns a person with the call to holiness and to evangelize the world. This universal call to holiness is lived out in many ways. They include the call to become a priest, religious, consecrated, married, deacon, or to remain in the celibate life for the sake of the Kingdom. The Sacrament of Holy Orders confers on a Christian the graces and powers associated with the priesthood. A priest participates in the priesthood of Christ. All baptized are priests, as they participate in the priesthood of Christ. It is called common priesthood. The ministerial priesthood is meant for some who devote their lives to serve the faithful by doing apostolic ministry.

“The ministerial priesthood differs in essence from the common priesthood of the faithful because it confers a sacred power for the service of the faithful. The ordained ministers exercise their service for the People of God by teaching (munus docendi), divine worship (munus liturgicum) and pastoral governance (munus regendi)” (CCC, 1592). However, it is not a power to rule and dominate the faithful but serve them in the spirit of synodality. 

Priesthood has to be chosen provided one has a vocation for the same. It is not a profession.   It is divine call to follow Jesus closely.

Back to top