Priest

The priesthood is the power and authority of God. A priest is an office in the Aaronic Priesthood. Beginning in January of the year they turn 16, worthy young men may be ordained to the office of priest—an office they hold until they receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. Newly baptized adult men are also ordained priests shortly following their baptism.

Priests are organized into quorums in their wards and branches. The bishop or branch president serves as president of the priests quorum and sits in council with them, teaching them the duties of their office (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:87–88).

A priest has all the responsibilities of a deacon and teacher. He also has the following responsibilities (see Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 8.1.1.3):

• He administers the sacrament by officiating at the sacrament table and offering the sacrament prayers (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:46, 77, 79; see also Handbook 2, 20.4.3).

• He is to “preach, teach, expound, exhort, … and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:46–47).

• When authorized by the bishop, he performs baptisms, confers the Aaronic Priesthood, and ordains deacons, teachers, and priests (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:46, 48).

• He performs baptisms for the dead in the temple.

• He assists the bishopric in other ways consistent with the office of a priest.

Additional Messages

“Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood”