This sacrament, like the Sacrament of Baptism and the Sacrament of Confirmation, can only be received once for each level of ordination. Once a man has been ordained, he is spiritually changed, which is the origin of the saying, "Once a priest, always a priest." He can be dispensed of his obligations as a priest (or even forbidden to act as a priest); but he remains a priest forever.
Each level of ordination confers special graces: deacons are granted the ability to preach; priests, the ability to act in the person of Christ and offer Mass; and bishops, to a special strength which allows them to teach and lead their flocks, even to the point of dying as Christ did.
The Priesthood of Christ:
The priesthood was established by God among the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. God chose the tribe of Levi as priests whose primary duties were the offering of sacrifice and prayers for the people.
In offering Himself up for the sins of all mankind, Christ fulfilled the duties of the Old Testament priesthood once and for all. Now, all baptized Christians share in Christ's priesthood to act as a mediators between God and others and to offer sacrifices on behalf of others. However, Christ instituted a ministerial priesthood to serve in a special way through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
For more information on the priesthood, call the office at 794-3496 and speak to Father Matt.