Ordens sagradas

Priests are men specially chosen from among the People of God and the faithful to proclaim the 'Good News' of salvation to all the world, as Jesus Christ gave this mission to the Apostles and disciples in a special way and commissioned them to continue this part of the mission.  The mission is given to all of us through our baptism, but the priest serves and leads us in this mission.  By the Sacrament of Holy Orders and the Power of the Holy Spirit, priests gather with the people and lead them in worship, celebrating for us all the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, the Holy Mass.  Priests are given the task of reaching out to "the scattered" those who have left or feel rejected in their faith.  They build up the Body of Christ by welcoming new members through baptism.  Priests are given healing powers; to forgive sins in the name of Christ through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and anointing the sick.  In general, the priest allows the people a direct and personal encounter with Jesus Christ at the most important moments of their lives through the Sacraments.