Holy Orders

sacrament of holy orders, ordination

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.” (CCC 1536)

A priest is a man, chosen from among men to be an “alter Christus” (another Christ). The call to serve is a vocation. One does not choose but is chosen by Christ and the Church to continue the mission of Christ on earth. 

If you are discerning a call to the priesthood or religious life and would like more information please visit the Archdiocese of Cincinnati website.