Ordination | Diaconate, Priesthood, Episcopal Ordination, or the
sacrament of holy orders, is the sacramental ceremony in which a
man becomes a deacon, priest or bishop and ministers in the name
of Jesus Christ and the church. The ceremony includes many
rituals, including the laying on of hands and anointing. There
are three ordinations within the sacrament of holy orders: The
essential rite of the sacrament takes place during the laying on
of hands and prayer of consecration. This tradition dates back
to ancient times and is mentioned in the Bible. Only a bishop
can ordain a priest. For more information regarding ordination
to the priesthood, visit the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops vocations and priestly formation section or
contact us.