The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to the Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. Through Holy Orders, the ordained minister is called to serve Christ and his Church in a particular way.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

(CCC 1536) 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 1549) Through the ordained ministry, especially that of bishops and priests, the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the community of believers. In the beautiful expression of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the bishop is typos tou Patros: he is like the living image of God the Father.

(CCC 1551) This priesthood is ministerial. “That office . . . which the Lord committed to the pastors of his people, is in the strict sense of the term a service.” It is entirely related to Christ and to men. It depends entirely on Christ and on his unique priesthood; it has been instituted for the good of men and the communion of the Church. The sacrament of Holy Orders communicates a “sacred power” which is none other than that of Christ. The exercise of this authority must therefore be measured against the model of Christ, who by love made himself the least and the servant of all. “The Lord said clearly that concern for his flock was proof of love for him.

The Three Degrees of Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred in three degrees: the episcopate, the presbyterate and the diaconate. Each degree has its own particular ministry and role within the life and mission of the Church.

A Vocation to Holy Orders

A vocation to Holy Orders is a call to serve Christ and his Church through ordained ministry. Those who feel called to the priesthood or diaconate are encouraged to pray about their vocation and to seek guidance from a priest or other appropriate person within the Church.

Enquiring About a Vocation

If you believe you may be called to the priesthood or diaconate, please speak to your parish priest or contact the Diocesan Vocations Director for guidance and support in discerning your vocation.

Fr Mark Impson
Diocesan Vocations Director
Telephone: 01569 762433
Email: mark.impson@rcda.scot