Which sacrament ordains men to the episcopacy, priesthood, or diaconate?

• A. Baptism
• B. Holy Orders
• C. Confirmation
• D. Anointing of the Sick

Answer: (B)

Ordination to the episcopacy, priesthood, or diaconate is conferred by Holy Orders. Holy Orders is the sacrament that configures a man to Christ for the ministry in the Church, conveying the grace and mission to lead, teach, and serve as bishop, priest, or deacon. The act involves the laying on of hands and a consecrating prayer, and its effect is a permanent spiritual character that marks him for ordained service.

Baptism initiates a person into the Christian life, Confirmation strengthens baptismal grace and bestows the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the Anointing of the Sick offers grace and healing to those who are ill. None of these ordains someone to a clerical office, so Holy Orders is the correct choice for ordaining men to the episcopacy, priesthood, or diaconate.