The Major Orders
Ordination
Pontiff, bishop, cardinal, priest. There are so many names thrown around when talking about the Catholic Church it is easy to get confused about who belongs where.
There are six main levels of the clergy and individuals work their way up the order, however very few will ever reach the top of the hierarchy. In fact, the majority of clergy members to not move past the second level.
• Deacon
There are two types of Deacons within the Catholic Church, but we’re going to focus on transitional deacons. These men are also referred to as seminarians and are students of the Catholic Church. They are generally in their last phase of training for priesthood. They maintain this role for twelve months.
Deacons can practice in many similar ways to priests. They can baptise, witness marriages, and perform funerals.
• Priest
After graduating from being a Deacon, individuals become priests. To become a priest, one must undertake the Rite of Ordination. This ordains them into the priesthood. During the ceremony, they promise to uphold the duties of priesthood and to obey his superiors.
Once a priest, individuals are able to perform the ceremony of the Eucharist, take confession and perform Anointing of the Sick. Priests are also able to perform Holy Matrimony.
There are two types of priests within the Catholic Church, religious and diocesan. Diocesan priests lead individual parishes. They serve the people within their own parish and are not required to take the same vowels as religious priests. Diocesan priests live on a monthly salary and have their meals and lodging provided for them by the parish. Additionally, they may wear whatever clothes they choose outside of service. This type of priest is more common in secular countries without a strong traditional Catholic population.
Religious priests, however, vow themselves to a religious order, such as the Jesuits. They wear particular religious garb and take additional vows of poverty and obedience. Priests are unable to hold personal possessions and they own very little other than their clothes. They typically live in a group house alongside other members of the order. Typically they are not provided with a salary and must follow the orders of their superior.
• Bishop
Bishops are ministers who hold the full sacrament of holy orders. Catholics trace their origins to the time of the apostles, who were endowed with a spiritual gift by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Bishops are required to be 35 years old, ordained at least five years prior and hold a doctorate in theology. They are believed to truly hold expertise in canon law and sacred scripture. They typically govern over local regions known as dioceses.
Becoming a bishop is an important moment in most clergy life, as all senior rankings hold the title bishop. Bishops reach their retirement age at 75 years old. At this time, they are to submit their resignation to the Pope who will then work with him to determine a suitable replacement.
Bishops are the third, and fullest level of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
• Archbishop
Archbishops are particularly important bishops. They oversee large areas of churches called archdiocese. The title comes from the Greek word meaning “chief”. Bishops report directly to them when in need of assistance or guidance. The archbishop is best thought of as a manager of bishops for a certain geographical region.
• Cardinal
Cardinals are leading bishops and members of the College of Cardinals. Their biggest duty is participating in the Papal Conclave, that is, voting for the new Pope. Most have additional duties including missions within the Pontifficate, governmental body of the Ancient Apostolc Church. To be eligible to attend these votes, however, Cardinals must be below the age of 80.
• Pontiff
The highest honour a member of the clergy can receive is to be elected as the leader of the Ancient Apostolic Church. The Pontiff is elected by cardinals under the age of 80- following the death or resignation of a Pope. There is no limit to how many years a Pontiff may hold his office.
The office of the Pontiff is referred to as the Pontifficate. The Pontiff rules the Ancient Apostolic Church in a very similar way to a king would a country,