"But he said to them, "Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can." (Matthew 19:11-12)

 

The sacrament of holy orders is given to individuals who are willing to serve as a bishop, priest, or deacon. I like to think of it as the Godly version of marriage, so instead of marrying your spouse, in holy orders, you marry the Church and are devoted to serving God, and His people. 

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The three ranks of clergy have different responsibilities in the Church.

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A pope, cardinal, metropolitan and archbishop are all forms of bishops in the Catholic Church. Bishops are recognised by the sacraments of orders and the supreme priesthood, and are viewed as the apostles' successes. Archbishops are in charge of the diocese's overall faith and upholds the Catholic doctrine. He also makes the decision on matters affecting the diocese. The archbishop cares for a diocese and appoints, ordains, and disciplines priests and deacons. 

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Priests can serve as religious priests or as diocesan priests. A religious priest works in a wide range of different ministries, like working for the poor or homeless, or teaching in particular places around the world. A diocesan priest is someone you would see at Mass. They serve and lead a particular church that is part of a diocese. Priests have the responsibility of teaching, providing the sacraments, and governing the church in word and deed. 

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Deacons fall into two main categories: those who choose to serve as deacons for the rest of their lives permanently, and those who are transitioning toward a becoming priest. Deacons assist the bishops. Deacons can preach, witness the sacrament of matrimony, and administer baptism; however, they cannot hear confessions, consecrate the Eucharist, or anoint the sick. 

 

Even as hard as it may be, priests and bishops are to devote their lives to Christ. However, I am not implying you can't be married and can't devote your life to evangelising the Gospel. Nevertheless, as we know, a family has to have commitment. The Catholic Church views holy orders, especially priesthood as a big religious family. Therefore the priest must be willing to commit His life to serve His family through Christ.

 

The ordination of the priesthood was founded way back in Exodus, with Moses and his brother Aaron, which becomes the Levitical Priesthood. Even though Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant and the sacrifices of animals are no longer necessary, Jesus wasn't cutting out the priesthood altogether. As we know, all Christians are called to be priests, offering up our sacrifices in thanksgiving. As mentioned previously in the topic of the Church's authority, and priesthood; the priesthood in the New Testament is very different from the priesthood in the Old Testament. The priesthood today are the original disciples' successors. Jesus Christ commissions them to do specific responsibilities within the Church, e.g. forgive sins, offer up the bread and wine in thanksgiving, etc. 

 

There is some disagreement within the broad Christian churches if priests and others serving the Church in holy orders can be married or not. In the majority of Protestant Churches, it is extremely common for the pastor to be married. Many protestants would say that pastors and priests should marry because Jesus' good old friend Peter was married. 

 

Yes, Peter in the Bible was thought to have a wife. However, that doesn't confirm that celibacy in the priesthood is unbiblical. "I would like you to be free from worry. An unmarried man concerns himself with the Lord's work, because he is trying to please the Lord. But a married man concerns himself with worldly matters, because he wants to please his wife; and so he is pulled in two directions. An unmarried woman or a virgin concerns herself with the Lord's work, because she wants to be dedicated both in body and spirit; but a married woman concerns herself with worldly matters, because she wants to please her husband. I am saying this because I want to help you. I am not trying to put restrictions on you. Instead, I want you to do what is right and proper, and to give yourselves completely to the Lord's service without any reservation." (1 Corinthians 7:32-35)

 

As mentioned earlier, priests, bishops and deacons give their life to Christ. Their family is the Church. holy orders are by a call from God. The individual needs to go through discernment and prayer and be a baptised Catholic to become a priest, bishop and so on. 

 

However, just like baptism, marriage doesn't make us perfect; entering into religious life is the same. The devil targets all the faithful with lies and temptations. We need to consistently support our priests, bishops, and all who serve in a religious order. 

 

“[T]he grades here in the Church, of bishops, presbyters, deacons, are imitations of the angelic glory, and of the economy that, the Scriptures say, awaits those who, following the footsteps of the apostles, have lives in perfection of righteousness according to the gospel” [Miscellanies 6:13 9 (c. A.D. 207)]