Holy Orders

From Conservapedia

Holy Orders refers to the sacrament of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches that sets aside ("ordains") chosen men to lead the church and to celebrate the sacraments. There are three levels of Holy Orders: Bishop, Presbyter, and Deacon.

A Deacon is ordained to preach and minister, both in the Liturgy and outside. In the United States, for example, the Catholic Bishops have designated Social Justice issues as particularly appropriate for deacons, as they are a link between the clerical and lay states. A Catholic Deacon, with proper permission, can minister baptisms, lead Communion services or assist the priest at Eucharist, and preside at weddings.

A Presbyter is ordained from among the deacons to minister almost all the sacraments. Thus, besides the deacon's ministries mentioned above, a presbyter can preside at the Eucharist, minister Reconciliation and give absolution (assurance of forgiveness of sins), and Anoint the Sick. Under certain circumstances, he can also Confirm members of the Church. Presbyters are often called "Priests," but (technically speaking) this term refers to both Presbyters and Bishops, since both are allowed to "take the place of Christ," the High Priest, at the Eucharist.

A Bishop has the fullness of orders. Ordained from among the Priests, the bishop can minister any of the sacraments. A bishop is usually assigned to a diocese, a local church, to care for the people living there.