Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

Holy Orders is one of the three Sacraments at the Service of Communion, together with Matrimony. Through this sacrament, men are ordained to serve the Church and God’s people in a special way as bishops, priests, or deacons.

Holy Orders continues the mission that Christ entrusted to His Apostles. Through ordination, the Holy Spirit gives the ordained the grace and authority to serve the Church, proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacred mysteries, and care for God’s people.

The sacrament is celebrated in three degrees:

Bishop: Bishops receive the fullness of Holy Orders. They are successors of the Apostles and are entrusted with teaching, sanctifying, and shepherding the people of God.
Priest: Priests share in the ministry of their bishop. They proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the Eucharist and other sacraments, offer pastoral care, and serve the people of God.
Deacon: Deacons are ordained for service. They proclaim the Gospel, assist at the altar, preach, and serve the Church through works of charity and ministry. Deacons may baptize, witness marriages, and preside at certain liturgical celebrations.

Holy Orders is celebrated because Christ continues to serve His Church through those whom He calls and ordains. The ordained are not ordained for personal status or privilege, but for service to God and His people.

Through Holy Orders, the Church is strengthened in her mission to worship God, proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, serve those in need, and lead others closer to Christ.

If you are a Catholic man sensing a call to ordained ministry, feel free to contact one of our clergy. Also, be sure and contact the Office of Vocations in the Diocese of Santa Fe at (505)831-8143.