What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is what makes men into priests (just like the Sacrament of Baptism makes a person into a Christian). Like baptism and confirmation, Holy Orders ‘marks’ the soul and changes. The Church describes this mark as “an indelible character.” Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders all confer a distinct character on the person receiving it, a character that lasts forever–in this life and in the life to come.
The character of Holy Orders is what allows a priest to act in persona Christi, a Latin phrase that translates to “in the person of Christ.” This is how the priest celebrates any Sacrament, not by his own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit moving through him.
The Church needs priests. Without men answering this call from Christ, who will preach the Word of God to the next generation? Do you think that God might be calling you to serve Him as a priest?
Learn more about how to listen to His call by exploring vocations from the Paulist Fathers and the Los Angeles Archdiocese.
