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.

Through Holy Orders, men called by God are consecrated to do a particular kind of service in Christ’s name – that of leading and nourishing the Body of Christ with the word of God and the grace of the sacraments. There are three degrees, or orders, of this ministry in the Catholic church:

  • the episcopate, the order of bishops
  • the presbyterate, the order of priests
  • the diaconate, the order of deacons

Ordained ministers help the community be in touch with God and live out the mission of Jesus Christ in the world. Representing Jesus, they serve as spiritual guides to the Kingdom of God.

If you are interested in speaking with someone about pursuing the sacrament of receiving Holy Orders, please reach out to the Diocesan Office of Vocations at 453-6690, or visit www.albanyvocations.org.