Others are called to share specially in Christ's priesthood. In the Old Covenant, even though Israel was a kingdom of priests (Ex 19:6), the Lord called certain men to a special priestly ministry (Ex 19:22). In the New Covenant, even though Christians are a kingdom of priests (1Pet 2:9), Jesus calls certain men to a special priestly ministry (Rom 15:15-16). This sacrament is called holy orders. Through it, priests are ordained and thus empowered to serve the Church (2Tim 1:6-7) as pastors, teachers, and spiritual fathers who heal, feed, and strengthen God's people - most importantly through preaching and the administration of the sacraments.