What is the difference between vows and Holy Orders?
Through the Sacrament of Orders, a qualified candidate is ordained a deacon, presbyter, or bishop. A diocesan priest promises obedience to the bishop and his successors and promises to live a celibate life for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. A religious order priest takes vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty. Vows are promises made to God. Some religious orders also have particular vows, for example, to serve in mission lands or to live out one’s life in a monastery.
