The Distinction of Orders: The Character

“As in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office” (Rom. 12:4), so in the Church there are various orders appointed to their respective sacred offices.

The distinction of orders is derived basically from their varying reference to the Holy Eucharist. There is: (a)the priest, who offers the Eucharistic Sacrifice; (b) the deacon, who assists the priest; (c) the subdeacon, who assists the priest and deacon and attends the sacred vessels of the Eucharistic sacrifice; (d) the acolyte, who proffers the matter (bread and wine) for the sacrifice; (e) the exorcist, who expels evil spirits which render a person unworthy to receive the Holy Eucharist; (f) the lector or reader, who imparts sacred instruction to those who come to Mass and Communion; (g) the porter ordoorkeeper, who attends the bells and portals, and welcomes the faithful to the sacrifice and excludes those who should not be admitted.

These seven orders are classified as major orders and minor orders. The major orders are three:subdeaconship, deaconship, priesthood. Deaconship and priesthoodbelong to the sacrament of holy orders. The bishop’s office,the episcopate, is the fullness of priesthood. The minor orders are: doorkeeper, lector, exorcist, acolyte.

Each of the orders has its proper acts and many incidental functions. These, as we have noted, are all directed in some manner to the divine center and core of our religion-our Lord himself in the Holy Eucharist.

The character impressed upon the soul by the sacrament of orders is given when the sacrament is conferred.