Which sacrament is becoming a deacon, priest, or bishop?

• A. Virtue
• B. Matrimony
• C. Holy Orders
• D. Reconciliation

Answer: (C)

Becoming a deacon, priest, or bishop is the effect of Holy Orders, the sacrament that sets apart a man for ordained ministry in the Church. This sacrament gives the grace and authority needed to serve in leadership roles and to perform the liturgical acts that belong to the ordained state. There are three levels within Holy Orders: diaconate (deacon), presbyterate (priest), and episcopate (bishop). The rite of ordination includes the laying on of hands and a consecrating prayer, granting the specific powers appropriate to each order. Deacons assist in services and ministry, priests celebrate the Eucharist and absolve in the context of sacraments, and bishops govern the Church and ordain others. The other options refer to different concepts: virtue is a habitual good trait, matrimony is the sacrament marrying a husband and wife, and reconciliation is the sacrament of forgiveness of sins.