Ordination (Holy Orders)

Ordination consecrates a man to serve the Church as a bishop, priest, or deacon, giving him the power to act in the person of Christ. According to the USCCB, "Ordination is the sacrament in which a man is consecrated to serve the Church as a bishop, priest, or deacon" (USCCB, p. 343). Jesus told his apostles, "Do this in memory of me" (Luke 22:19).