The Sacrament of Holy Orders continues Christ's mission through the Apostles by establishing an ordained priesthood to lead the Church. There are three degrees of Holy Orders - bishops, priests, and deacons - with bishops and priests able to celebrate the sacraments. At ordination, candidates undergo examination, promise obedience, receive the laying on of hands by the bishop, and anointing with chrism as a sign of their consecration to serve God's people by preaching, administering sacraments, and building up the Church.

1. Sacrament of Holy Orders The Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry

2. Nature of the Sacrament What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders? The sacrament of apostolic ministry through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church till the end of time. “ Order” The word “order” designated an established governing body. Order means the group or body of those who carry on certain functions, such as teaching, sanctifying and governing.

3. Biblical Foundation OLD TESTAMENT God constituted Israel as “a kingdom of priests, a holy nation” Ex 19:6). The tribe of Levi was set apart to act on behalf of men in relation to God to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. This priesthood was instituted to proclaim the Word of God, to discern his will and to restore communion with God by sacrifices and prayer (Mal 2:7-9). This priesthood needed to repeat its sacrifices ceaselessly because it was unable to achieve a definitive sanctification.

4. Biblical Foundation NEW TESTAMENT Jesus Christ: the unique “high priest after the order of Melchizedek” (Heb 5:10), “holy, blameless, unstained” (Heb 7:26). “by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Heb 10:14), that is, by the unique sacrifice of the cross. The redemptive sacrifice of Christ is unique, accomplished once for all; yet it is made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Church.

5. The Priesthood of Christ Christ the “ unique Priest ” the Son-of God-made-man whose Paschal Sacrifice redeemed the world. “One is the mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all” (1 Tim 2:5). Christ shares his priesthood: Common Priesthood Ministerial Priesthood

6. Christ Shares His Priesthood Common Priesthood all the baptized share in Christ as prophet, priest and king. Ministerial Priesthood those ordained in the sacrament of Holy Orders are called to Preach the Word of God Administer the Sacraments Lead and build up the unity of the Christian community

7. Two Basic Relationships of the Priest Functions in the name of Christ , Head, Shepherd and Spouse of the Church Functions in the name of the Church , in which the priest is a constitutive element in his being and action.

8. Three Degrees of the Sacrament BISHOPS: episkopoi (overseers) PRIESTS: presbyteroi (elders) DEACONS: diakonoi (servers) on whom the fullness of the priesthood is conferred who serve the Church as co-workers under the Bishop who minister in various ways in the service of the liturgy, the Gospel and works of charity.

9. RITE OF ORDINATION Calling of the Candidate Presentation of the Candidate Election by the Bishop and consent of the people Homily Examination of the Candidate Promise of Obedience Invitation to Prayer Litany of the Saints Laying on of Hands Prayer of Consecration Investiture with Stole and Chasuble Anointing of Hands Presentation of the Gifts

10. Essential Elements MATTER Holy chrism that is anointed on the hands of the candidates This means that he is set apart, empowered and ordained to serve God’s people. FORM Laying on of hands by the bishop with the consecratory prayer. MINISTER Bishop