What is Holy Orders?

The sacrament of holy orders is the one in which a man accepts his calling to religious life as a priest, deacon, or bishop. It is also sometimes referred to as ordination. Holy Orders enables one person to speak for a lot of people.

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Does everyone receive holy orders? Holy Orders is a sacrament for those who have been called to receive it. Just as not everyone will be called to get married, not every man will be called to become a priest, deacon or bishop. [back to the top]

Can someone who is married also become a priest?

Priests are usually unmarried. However, if a man is already married and later feels that he is called to become a priest, he is able to remain married while also serving as a priest.

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What happens during holy orders? During an ordination ceremony, the man who is becoming a priest, deacon, or bishop gets down on the floor. A bishop places his hands on the individual and says a prayer of consecration, which is an ancient practice from the Bible. The newly ordained priest, deacon, or bishop is then given a stole, and chasuble, which is the article of clothing worn by a priest. He also receives a paten and a chalice. During Holy Orders, priests also take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. [back to the top]