The Priesthood (Holy Orders)

"Why do Catholics have priests? Doesn't the Bible say all Christians are priests?"

4 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

Catholic priests are ordained ministers who act 'in persona Christi' (in the person of Christ) to offer the sacrifice of the Mass, forgive sins, and shepherd God's people. The New Testament priesthood fulfills and transforms the Old Testament priesthood.

Quick Overview

Think of it this way: all citizens serve their country, but we still have soldiers. All family members love each other, but parents have special authority. All Christians are 'priests' in a general sense, but some are ordained to a special ministry—to offer Mass, forgive sins, and shepherd the flock in Christ's name.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

Hebrews 5:1

"For every high priest taken from among men, is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins."

Why This Matters

Priests are 'ordained' and 'offer sacrifices.' The priesthood involves ordination and offering—which Catholic priests do at Mass.

Acts 14:23

"And when they had ordained to them priests in every church... they commended them to the Lord."

Why This Matters

Paul and Barnabas 'ordained priests' (Greek: presbyterous) in every church. This is sacramental ordination.

James 5:14

"Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church."

Why This Matters

James refers to 'priests of the church' (presbyterous) who anoint the sick. A distinct ordained ministry exists.

Luke 22:19

"Do this for a commemoration of me."

Why This Matters

Jesus commands the apostles: 'Do this.' Not everyone present at the Last Supper—only the Twelve—received this command to offer the Eucharist.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles continues in the Church (CCC 1536). Priests share in Christ's priesthood to offer the Eucharistic sacrifice and forgive sins in His name.

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. Ignatius of Antioch

c. 110 AD

"Let all reverence the deacons as Jesus Christ, the bishop as an image of the Father, and the presbyters as the council of God."

— Letter to the Trallians, 3

St. Cyprian of Carthage

c. 251 AD

"The priest who imitates what Christ did, truly takes the place of Christ and offers a true and full sacrifice to God the Father."

— Letter 63:14

Sacred Tradition

Statues & Images

Share This Teaching

Help others discover the biblical basis for Catholic beliefs