Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings

Naming and Blessing Children
Administering the Sacrament
Dedicating Graves
Baptizing
Consecrating Oil
Father’s Blessings
Confirming and Bestowing the Holy Ghost
Administering to the Sick
Conferring the Priesthood and Ordaining to an Office
Dedicating Homes

An ordinance is a sacred act performed by a man who holds the priesthood. Baptism and the sacrament are examples of priesthood ordinances. Some ordinances may be performed by brethren who hold the Aaronic Priesthood. But most ordinances are performed by Melchizedek Priesthood holders.

This section gives directions that a priesthood leader should follow when performing an ordinance. Brethren who perform ordinances should prepare themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. They also should make sure the ordinance meets the following requirements:

All ordinances must be performed in the name of Jesus Christ.
All ordinances must be performed by the authority of the priesthood.
The following ordinances must be authorized by the presiding authority: baptism, confirmation, naming and blessing children, administering the sacrament, dedicating graves, and conferring the priesthood and ordaining to an office. Consecrating oil, administering to the sick, and giving father's blessings do not need to be authorized by the presiding authority. They are authorized when a person holds the Melchizedek Priesthood and is worthy.
All ordinances must be performed with their necessary procedures, such as using specified words, laying on hands, or using consecrated oil.