Holy Orders
Ordination, or Holy Orders, is a sacrament that is available only to men who are being ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops. As with Baptism and Confirmation, the sacrament is said to convey a special indelible “character” on the soul of the recipient. During the rite a prayer and blessing is offered as a bishop lays his hands on the head of the man being ordained. In the case of the ordination of priests and bishops, this act confers the sacramental power to ordain (for bishops), baptize, confirm, witness marriages, absolve sins, and consecrate the Eucharist. Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, preach, and assist during the mass, but they cannot consecrate the Eucharist or hear confessions. With the exception of married deacons, an order restored by the Second Vatican Council, all ordained men are to be celibate.
Bishops
Bishops are successors of the apostles and, in their own dioceses, they are the chief teachers, sanctifiers and shepherds of God's people. Each bishop works in his particular diocese in a priestly, shepherding and teaching role. He possesses the fullness of the priesthood and so is the principal celebrant of the Sacraments
HIS EMINENCE OSWALD CARDINAL GRACIAS
FR. VINCENT BARBOZA
Priest
A priest is a man, taken from among men, who is consecrated by God for the sacred action of sanctification. The Catholic Priesthood was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper as a means by which those men whom He calls to stand in His place carry on His ministry in the world.
Deacon
There are two types of deacons in the Catholic Church: permanent deacons and transitional deacons. Permanent deacons are ordained to the Catholic Church and have no intentions of becoming a priest. Deacons may be married or single. However, if they are not married at the time they are ordained, they cannot marry after and are expected to live a life of celibacy. In the Archdiocese of Bombay we have 18 permanent deacons. Transitional deacons are those who become priests
