possible and should are two very distinctly different terms. I believe it is possible for a priest to be ordained directly to to the priesthood. However, I believe that should be only in extraordinary circumstances!!! I think the most appropriate course of ordination to the priesthood is to ordain to the diaconate first. As a deacon one learns compassion and hands on pastoral ministry that one may not get a chance to see while serving as a priest. Too many priests forget they were once deacons and as such seem to forget that they are called as well to a ministry of service, not to be served. Additionally, the order of deacon is older than the order of priest. To truly serve as a good priest I believe it is best to first serve as a good deacon, history has proven this over and over. There are some rare exceptions to this, however, in general in think this is the case and should remain as such. It would be a major breach in the life of the church to change this
possible and should are two very distinctly different terms. I believe it is possible for a priest to be ordained directly to to the priesthood. However, I believe that should be only in extraordinary circumstances!!! I think the most appropriate course of ordination to the priesthood is to ordain to the diaconate first. As a deacon one learns compassion and hands on pastoral ministry that one may not get a chance to see while serving as a priest. Too many priests forget they were once deacons and as such seem to forget that they are called as well to a ministry of service, not to be served. Additionally, the order of deacon is older than the order of priest. To truly serve as a good priest I believe it is best to first serve as a good deacon, history has proven this over and over. There are some rare exceptions to this, however, in general in think this is the case and should remain as such. It would be a major breach in the life of the church to change this