Ordained priesthood in apostolic succession; celibacy required in Latin Rite
The Catholic Church maintains a three-fold ordained ministry of deacon, priest (presbyter), and bishop, each received through the sacrament of Holy Orders in apostolic succession. Bishops are the fullness of the ordained ministry and the successors of the Apostles. Priests share in the bishop's priesthood and are authorized to celebrate the Eucharist and administer most sacraments. Deacons (permanent deacons) may be married and assist in liturgical, pastoral, and charitable ministries.
In the Latin Rite, priestly ordination requires a commitment to celibacy for life (with the exception of married permanent deacons). This discipline—not a defined dogma—is understood to configure the priest more fully to Christ the Good Shepherd and to free him for total dedication to God and the Church. Eastern Catholic churches in communion with Rome maintain the ancient tradition of allowing married priests. The Catechism (§§1554–1600) presents the ordained priesthood as a participation in Christ's one priesthood, distinct from the universal priesthood of all believers.
Key Distinctions
- Ministry model:
- ordained sacerdotal priesthood — priests mediate grace through sacraments
- Ordination theology:
- apostolic succession required for valid ordination
- Celibacy requirement:
- required for diocesan priests (Latin rite); optional for permanent deacons
Scripture References
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), §§1554–1600
- Vatican II, Presbyterorum Ordinis (1965)
- Code of Canon Law (1983), Canons 1008–1054
- Council of Trent, Session XXIII (1563)