Holy Orders is the Sacrament that confers the ordained ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons. In ordaining priests, the bishop lays his hands on the head of each candidate and prays silently. This is the most important sign of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Then the bishop prays a Prayer of Consecration. Each candidate for the priesthood is anointed with holy oil as a sign of his special sharing in Chris’s own priesthood.
Each also receives a paten and chalice to lead their community in celebrating the Eucharist. When bishops are ordained they receive a mitre, ring, and crozier. Their role is to teach, govern, and sanctify the Church.
When deacons are ordained, they receive the gospel book because they proclaim the good news to us and can lead us in celebrating some of the sacraments. Deacons have a special ministry to serve the poor and those in need.
The administering of the Sacrament of Holy Orders is handled through the Archdiocese of Newark Office of Vocations at Chancellery in Newark, N.J.
Please contact the Vocations Office at Archdiocese of Newark 171 Clifton Ave. PO Box 9500, Newark, N.J. 07104-0500.
The phone number is 973-497-4365. The website is: www.rcan.org then select the Ministry.