Why Are Catholic Priests Male? The Sacrament of Holy Orders

Film Focus: This video provides an introduction to the Sacrament of Holy Orders. It includes a discussion of the three degrees of ordination. It concludes with a concise yet complete discussion of why only males are permitted to be ordained as Catholic priests.

Text Focus: Pages 249–252

Discussion Questions:

1. When was the Sacrament of Holy Orders instituted?
2. What are the three degrees of ordination? Which first-century Church Father speaks about these three levels of the priesthood?
3. Who has the fullness of Holy Orders? What power does this grant them?
4. Why can only men be ordained to the priesthood? Why do you think that Jesus choose only males?

*Permission to link to this video for use in the classroom as part of the accompanying lesson has been granted by the producer.