Part III, Section I, Chapter VII — Holy Orders

397. What is "Holy Orders"?

Holy Orders is the sacrament that gives the power to perform the sacred actions concerning the Eucharist and the salvation of souls, and imprints the character of ministers of God.

398. Who is the minister of Holy Orders?

The minister of Holy Orders is the Bishop, who gives the Holy Spirit and the sacred power by imposing his hands and handing over the sacred objects proper to the Order, while pronouncing the words of the prescribed form.

399. Why is the sacrament that makes the ministers of God called Order?

The sacrament that makes the ministers of God is called Order because it includes various grades of ministers, one subordinate to another, from which results the sacred Hierarchy.

400. What are the grades of the sacred Hierarchy?

The grades of the sacred Hierarchy are: the minor Orders, the Subdiaconate, and the Diaconate, which are preparatory; the Presbyterate or Priesthood, which gives the power to consecrate the Eucharist and to forgive sins; and the Episcopate, the fullness of the Priesthood, which gives the power to confer Orders and to teach and govern the faithful.

401. Is the dignity of the Priesthood great?

The dignity of the Priesthood is most great, because of its power over the real Body of Jesus Christ, which it makes present in the Eucharist, and over His mystical body, the Church, which it governs, with the sublime mission of leading men to holiness and to the blessed life.

402. What end must one who enters Holy Orders have?

One who enters Holy Orders must have for his end solely the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

403. Can anyone enter Holy Orders of his own choice?

No one can enter Holy Orders of his own choice, but must be called by God through his own Bishop; that is, he must have the vocation, with the virtues and the aptitudes for the sacred ministry that the vocation requires.

404. Would one who entered the Priesthood without a vocation do wrong?

One who entered the Priesthood without a vocation would do very wrong, because he could only with difficulty observe its most exalted duties, with evident danger of public scandal and of eternal perdition.

405. What duties have the faithful toward those called to Holy Orders?

The faithful have the duty of leaving to their children and dependents full freedom to follow their vocation; also of asking God for good pastors and ministers, and of fasting for this end on the four Ember Days; finally, of venerating the ordained as persons consecrated to God.