Priesthood
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Go Deeper
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The word “priest” derives from the Greek word presbyteros, which means “elders.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate” (CCC, 1536).
Christ entrusts baptized men with the gift of priesthood. Christ provides the necessary grace for His priests to serve. Christ leads His priests into the deep mystery of His divine priesthood. Christ calls His priests to be men for others. Christ works in His priests to evangelize the Gospel. Christ calls His priests to become saints. Christ teaches His priests to desire the good of others. Overall, Christ demands from His priests to save souls.
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