Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, Jesus Christ shares the work of His priesthood with other men, the bishops and priests of the Church. Through them Christ makes Himself present to offer sacrifice, to baptize, to confirm, to give His Body and blood in Holy Communion, to forgive sins in the Sacrament of Penance, to anoint the sick and to bless and sanctify Marriages.
Before Ascending into Heaven
Jesus said to His Apostles: “Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth; go, therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything that I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, until the end of the world!” (Mt. 28:19-20).
Jesus Christ is our one mediator with the Father and He continues His work in the Church through priests. Holy Orders in a special way conforms certain members of the people of God to Christ the mediator, it puts them in positions of special service for building up the body of Christ, and gives them a sacred power to fulfill that ministry of service.
A Prayer for Priests.
O Jesus, eternal priest, guard your priests within the shelter of your Sacred Heart where none may touch them. Keep unstained their anointed hands that daily touch your sacred body. Keep unsullied their lips daily empurpled with your precious blood. Keep their hearts sealed to you with the mark of holy priesthood. May your love surround them and guard them from the contagion of the world. Bless them, guard them, preserve them O Lord, and grant that the souls to whom they minister may be their crown of glory in this life and in the life to come.
