Holy Orders
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Two Sacraments of Service to Others (1533-1535)
The initiation sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) call the believer to holiness and confer the graces needed for our pilgrimage.
Holy Orders and Matrimony (although contributing to the person's salvation) are directed primarily to the salvation of others.
Believers (already consecrated by Baptism and Confirmation) receive a particular consecration through Holy Orders "to feed the Church by the Word and grace of God." Christian spouses, through Matrimony, are consecrated to the duties of married life.
Bishop - Priest - Deacon (1536)
(The teaching on the institution and ministry of Holy Orders is given in numbers 874 - 896. This section teaches the sacramental means by which the ministry is handed on.) Through Holy Orders, the mission given by Christ to his apostles is continued until the end of time in three degrees: bishop, priest, and deacon.
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