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What are the three degrees of Holy Orders?
(Nic)
Answer:
Dear Nic:
Holy Orders is one of the seven sacraments, and it has three grades or degrees: episcopacy, priesthood, and diaconate.
When we use the word 'episcopacy' we are referring to the order of bishop, which is the highest level of the sacrament, sometimes referred to as the 'fullness of the priesthood.' Bishops ordain priests, deacons, and other bishops; that is, they administer the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The Apostles were the first bishops, and received their authority directly from Christ.
The next level of Holy Orders is that of priest. A priest is an ordained man who, in addition to the office of ministry and preaching, acts in the Person of Christ, as ‘alter Christus', at the Eucharistic Sacrifice, and offers it to God in the name of all the people. A priest can administer six of the seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Sacrament of the Sick, and Matrimony.
Finally, the word 'diaconate' refers to the order of deacon. There are two kinds of deacons. A 'permanent' deacon is a man who is ordained to serve in the Church. He is not a priest, nor is he preparing for the priesthood. Deacons who are not referred to as permanent, are those men who become deacons while advancing to the priesthood. A deacon assists the priest and people in many ways, including preaching and administering the Sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony.
God bless,
Father Norbert