Holy Orders
Also known as ORDINATION, this 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. The sacrament of Holy Orders is composed of three degrees which are irreplaceable for the organic structure of the Church: bishops, priests, deacons.
Through a special gift of the Holy Spirit, this sacrament enables the ordained to exercise a sacred power in the name and with the authority of Christ for the service of the People of God.
This sacrament can only be validly received by a baptized man. The Church recognizes herself as bound by this choice made by the Lord Himself.
If thoughts of either priesthood or religious life have crossed your mind and you want to find out what’s involved, contact your priest and have a look at the website below.
The Vocations Office of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney
Catholic Vocation Ministry Australia for more on both clerical and religious life.