Which sacrament is described as being called to be a priest?

• A. Matrimony
• B. Baptism
• C. Eucharist
• D. Holy Orders

Answer: (D)

In Catholic belief, the sacrament that makes a man a priest is Holy Orders. This sacrament isn’t about baptism, marriage, or receiving communion; it’s about ordination. Through Holy Orders, a man receives a permanent spiritual character and the authority to lead, preach, and administer the sacraments, particularly celebrating the Eucharist and forgiving sins. In the medieval church, the priesthood was part of a hierarchical structure—deacons, priests, and bishops—each step conferred through Holy Orders by a bishop, often seen as a calling from God and a line of apostolic succession. Matrimony initiates a married life, Baptism initiates a Christian, and the Eucharist is the act of receiving Christ’s body and blood; none of these confer priestly ordination.