Focus your attention on the pictures given above. They depict the special events of the rite of Holy Orders. This sacrament is conferred by the Bishop by keeping his hands on the head of the deacon and praying over him. Bishop confers this sacrament to the recipient.

Ordination is a great vocation one can receive from God the Father. This is the sacrament, which was cammanded and handed over to his disciples by Jesus Christ himself, to carry on his mission in the Church, till the end of the world. The sacrament of the Holy orders was instituted by Christ, at the Last supper on Holy Thursday. Because of that Holy Thursday is considered as the 'feast day of the priests' and on that day faithful are invited to pray for the priests. The sacrament of the Holy orders is one of the sacraments which keeps an indelible mark on the soul. Because of that, it can be recieved only once in the life time. The priest who receives the Holy orders, is a mediator between God and Man. There are three degrees in the ministerial priesthood. They are deacon, priest and Bishop. Their responsibilities were mentioned below.

Responsibilities of a Deacon

Responsibilities of a Priest

Responsibilities of a Bishop

Catholic priests can be divided into categories according to their life style

Promises and vows of a priest

Priests should take promises or vows. They are


1. Obedience - They promise to obey their Bishop

2. Celebacy - They promise to dedicate themselves for the kingdom without getting married


1. Obedience - They vow to obey their superiors

2. Chastity - They vow to dedicate their chaste life for the benefit of the kingdom of God without getting married

3. Poverty - Cannot keep any possesions like Bank accounts, vehicles and Lands ect. All properties and assests will belong to the religious congregation.

There are some responsibilities and duties towards their priests who have dedicated their lives for us to lead us towards the kingdom of God.