The Threefold Ministry in the Holy Apostolic Celtic Catholic Church

 

In the Holy Apostolic Celtic Catholic Church, we affirm the ancient and apostolic tradition of the threefold ordained ministry—Deacon, Priest, and Bishop—as sacred expressions of Christ’s ongoing presence and service in the Church. Each order serves uniquely, yet all work together in harmony to nurture the spiritual life of the community, uphold the sacraments, and embody the love of God in the world.

 

We also confer the offices of Minor Orders. The Minor Orders we have are:

Cleric 

Doorkeeper

Lector (Reader)

Exorcist (Healer)

Acolyte

Sub-Deacon

 

The Deacon: Servant of Christ’s Compassion

The ministry of the Deacon is one of humble service, rooted in the example of Christ who came “not to be served, but to serve.” Deacons are called to a ministry of compassion, justice, and outreach, standing at the intersection of Church and world. They assist in the liturgy, proclaim the Gospel, and carry the Church’s care to the margins—serving the poor, comforting the sick, and advocating for the voiceless. In our Celtic Catholic tradition, the Deacon’s heart is tuned to the rhythm of the people, listening deeply and responding with Christ-like mercy.

 

The Priest: Shepherd of Sacrament and Soul

The Priest serves as a spiritual shepherd, called to nourish the people of God through the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, and through pastoral care, teaching, and spiritual guidance. Rooted in the ancient Celtic way of hospitality and soul-friendship (anamchara), the priest walks alongside individuals and communities, nurturing faith, healing brokenness, and celebrating the sacred in everyday life. Our priests are women and men, married or celibate, LGBTQ+ or straight—called by God and affirmed by the Church to serve as visible signs of Christ’s inclusive love.

 

The Bishop: Guardian of Unity and Apostolic Tradition

The Bishop is the successor to the apostles, entrusted with the ministry of oversight, unity, and the continuity of faith. In the Holy Apostolic Celtic Catholic Church, the Bishop is both a teacher and a servant-leader, called to nurture the wholeness of the Church, ordain clergy, and safeguard the sacraments. The Bishop does not rule from above but walks among the people, echoing the Celtic model of leadership rooted in community, wisdom, and sacred trust. Through apostolic succession, our Bishops preserve the faith handed down from the early Church while guiding the Church forward with humility and vision.

---

A Shared Calling, A Sacred Balance

Together, Deacons, Priests, and Bishops form a sacred circle of ministry—each role distinct, yet equally vital. This threefold ministry is not about hierarchy, but about collaboration, service, and spiritual integrity. It reflects the unity-in-diversity of the Trinity and the interconnectedness so deeply woven into Celtic spirituality.

In the Holy Apostolic Celtic Catholic Church, the ordained ministry is open to all whom God calls, regardless of gender, marital status, or sexual orientation. We believe that the call to serve flows not from privilege, but from grace.