“What Does It Mean to Be Ordained to the Priesthood?” Families and Temples (2016), 5–7
“What Does It Mean to Be Ordained to the Priesthood?” Families and Temples, 5–7
The priesthood is God’s power and authority that He gives to His children to act in His name. Through the priesthood, we receive the ordinances of salvation. Men are ordained to offices in the priesthood, and both men and women can experience the power and blessings of the priesthood in their lives. Women access the power of the priesthood in their responsibilities in the Church and in God’s plan.
To be ordained to the priesthood means to receive authority for a specific priesthood office. To ordain someone, a man with the proper authority places his hands on the person’s head that is to be ordained and says a special prayer that gives authority to act in that office.
Soon after baptism and confirmation, worthy boys and men ages 12 and older can receive the priesthood. The initial or preparatory priesthood is called the Aaronic Priesthood. Those ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood can prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament and baptize others. The Aaronic Priesthood helps prepare men to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. Those ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood, or higher priesthood, can give priesthood blessings and perform ordinances such as confirming new members of the Church and ordaining others to the Melchizedek Priesthood.
When a man is ordained to the priesthood, he covenants to fulfill his sacred duties, serve others, and help build up the Church. Priesthood power is always intended to be used to bless and serve others and can be used only in righteousness and love.
After being baptized (and, if you are a man, after being ordained to the priesthood), you can prepare to enter the temple. There you will have the opportunity to receive additional gospel ordinances and blessings as you continue along your path back to God.