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Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the mission
entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be
exercised in the Church until the end of time. |
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The Sacrament's three degrees
(Episcopate, Presbyterate, and Diaconate) are conferred as
follows:
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Bishops (Episcopate) receive the fullness of the Sacrament
of Holy Orders, which integrates them into the Episcopal
College and makes them visible heads of the particular
Church entrusted to them. As successors of the apostles and
members of the college, the bishops share in the apostolic
responsibility and mission of the whole Church under the
authority of the Pope.
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Priests (Presbyterate or Presbyters) are united with the bishop in
sacerdotal dignity and called to be the bishop's prudent
co-workers in the exercise of their pastoral functions. They
gather around their bishop who bears responsibility with
them for a particular church. They receive from the bishop
the charge of a parish community or determinate ecclesial
office.
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Deacons (Diaconate) are ordained into the ministry of
service to the Church. Transitional deacons are studying to
be later
ordained into the ministerial priesthood (Presbyterate) of the Church.
Permanent deacons remain always in the ministry of Deacon,
but Deaconate ordination confers on them the functions of the Ministry
of the Word, leadership and service in Divine Worship, and Service of Charity under
the pastoral authority of their bishop, and in conjunction
with the local Presbyters.
For additional information on
vocations please contact the pastor. |