Liahona
Handbook Highlights: Performing Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings
March 2025

Handbook Highlights: Performing Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings

18.0 Introduction

Ordinances and blessings are sacred acts performed by the authority of the priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ. As priesthood holders perform ordinances and blessings, they follow the Savior’s example of blessing others. Priesthood ordinances and blessings provide access to God’s power (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:20).

Ordinances and blessings are to be performed with faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and according to the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Leaders ensure that they are performed with proper approval (where necessary), with the required priesthood authority, in the proper way, and by worthy participants (see 18.3).

For policies on priesthood ordinances and blessings, see 38.2.

18.1 Ordinances of Salvation and Exaltation

The priesthood includes the authority to administer gospel ordinances that are necessary for salvation and exaltation. People make sacred covenants with God as they receive these ordinances. The ordinances of salvation and exaltation are listed below:

  • Baptism

  • Confirmation and gift of the Holy Ghost

  • Conferral of the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordination to an office (for men)

  • Temple endowment

  • Temple sealing

For information about performing these ordinances for those with intellectual disabilities, see the following:

  • For baptism and confirmation (38.2.8.1)

  • For ordination to an office in the Melchizedek Priesthood (38.2.9.7)

  • For the temple endowment and sealing (27.2.1.3 and 27.3.1.2)

If a child who was born in the covenant dies before age 8, no ordinances are needed or performed. If the child was not born in the covenant, the only ordinance he or she needs is to be sealed to parents. Because of the Savior’s Atonement, all children who die before age 8 are “saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven” (Doctrine and Covenants 137:10; see also Moroni 8:8–12).

18.2 Other Ordinances and Blessings

Other ordinances and blessings make it possible for God’s children to receive His power, healing, comfort, and guidance. These ordinances and blessings are listed below:

  • Naming and blessing children

  • The sacrament

  • Conferral of the Aaronic Priesthood and ordination to an office (for young men and men)

  • Setting apart members to serve in callings

  • Consecrating oil

  • Administering to the sick

  • Blessings of comfort and counsel, including father’s blessings

  • Dedicating homes

  • Dedicating graves

  • Patriarchal blessings by ordained patriarchs.

From General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, section 18.