Catholic Sacraments: Holy Order and Matrimony

The sacrament of Holy Order is one involving the ordination of a person into one of three orders: bishop, priest, and deacon. The word "holy" means " set apart for some purpose". The word order comes from the Latin word "ordo" which means part of a civil body or hierarchy. Therefore Holy Order is the group set aside as the hierarchy of the church that consists of the ministry.

The first level on this hierarchy consists of the deacons. They are the lowest on the totem pole of ordained individuals. The deacons are allowed to preach sermons, perform baptisms, and witness marriages. They can perform no other sacraments. They can not minister Eucharist at church, but they may assist at the Eucharist or Mass. Married individuals can become deacons, but they can not be married after ordination. Also, woman are not allowed to become deacons.

The second level of ordination is priesthood. Priests perform all kinds of things. They perform baptisms, give sermons, hear confessions and give them absolution, celebrate the Eucharist at Mass, anoint the sick, and witness marriages. There is an age limit for priesthood of 25. They also have distinctive clothing that they have to dress in. This dress varies on the locations of the of the church in the world. They have a street wear and clothing they wear at services. One of the beliefs the Church has is that one cannot enter priesthood if they are married. They have to promise a vow of celibacy. Priesthood is usually considered a full time assignment unlike many of the deacons.

The third level of ordination is becoming a bishop. The word bishop derives from the Latin word "episkopos" which translates into overseer or supervisor. The main role of a bishop is as a pastor of the diocese. The bishop can ordain bishops, priests, and deacons. The bishops run a dioceses and he has jurisdiction in his diocese. Bishops are really the leaders of the church.

Marriage

Credit: Burne-Jones

Copyright: Burne-Jones