Holy Orders | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

A sacrament is a visible sign that conveys an invisible grace. Holy Orders, also known as ordination, is one of the seven sacraments recognized by the Catholic Church. Through this sacrament, an individual is ordained as a deacon, priest, or bishop, each role being conferred only once in a person’s lifetime.

• To become a priest, one must first be ordained as a deacon. Every individual is called by God to serve Him in some capacity throughout their life, but the call to priesthood is a unique and lifelong commitment to serve God fully. 
• In the sacrament of Holy Orders, a man pledges to guide other Catholics by administering the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, following Jesus’ command at the Last Supper: “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). He also commits to proclaiming and teaching the Gospel to his community and helping them grow in holiness.

Signs, Symbols, and Actions in Holy Orders

Each sacrament includes specific signs, symbols, and significant words or actions. In Holy Orders, these are:

• The Bishop’s Role: The bishop presides over the ordination ceremony, symbolizing that the ordained person is being sent into the world to spread the Good News of Jesus, just as Jesus commissioned His apostles.
• Laying on of Hands and Anointing: The bishop places his hands on the candidate’s head and anoints their hands with chrism, signifying that the Holy Spirit’s power will guide and strengthen them in their ministry.
• The Bishop’s Blessing: The bishop pronounces a blessing, saying, “Almighty Father, grant to this servant of yours the dignity of the priesthood,” formally conferring the role.

Effects and Importance of Holy Orders

The priesthood is a cornerstone of the Catholic Church. Priests make God’s presence tangible in people’s lives by administering the sacraments and caring for the Church’s community. The sacrament of Holy Orders is significant for several reasons:

• Lifelong Commitment: It represents a total dedication to a life of prayer and service to God and the Church.
• Special Powers: The sacrament grants the ordained certain spiritual powers, including:
  • The ability to forgive sins in the sacrament of reconciliation.
  • The authority to consecrate bread and wine during Mass, transforming them into the Body and Blood of Christ.
  • The responsibility to preach the Gospel with authority.
• Servant Leadership: Priests dedicate their lives to serving God and His people, reflecting a profound commitment.
• Celibacy: Priests take a vow of celibacy, choosing to devote themselves entirely to God and the needs of others rather than forming a family. This mirrors Jesus’ own life of service and celibacy.
• Continuation of Christ’s Mission: According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1536), “Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission of Christ continues in the Church.” This underscores the role of priests in carrying forward Jesus’ work in the world today.