Name the three degrees of Holy Orders and describe their typical function.

• A. Deacon (service and assistance in liturgy and ministry), Priest (sacerdotal presiding over sacraments, teaching, pastoral governance), Bishop (governance of a diocese and ordaining others).
• B. Monk, Nun, Cardinal.
• C. Clergy, Laity, Bishop.
• D. Priest, Prophet, King.

Answer: (A)

Three degrees of Holy Orders are deacon, priest, and bishop. The deacon’s role centers on service and assisting in liturgy and ministry, such as proclaiming the Gospel and aiding in charitable works. The priest presides over the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and also teaches and shepherds a community, sharing in the bishop’s governance of the local church. The bishop has the fullness of the sacrament of orders, governs a diocese, and ordains other clergy while safeguarding teaching, worship, and governance. The other options mix roles that aren’t ordained degrees: monks and nuns belong to consecrated life rather than Holy Orders; a cardinal is a rank within the college of bishops; laity are not ordained; prophet and king are symbolic biblical roles, not degrees of Holy Orders.