The Minor orders reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Minor orders

The former ministry of the Roman Catholic church, as set up by the Council of Trent, had seven "Orders". The first four, porter, lector, exorcist and acolyte, were known as the minor orders; while the final three, Subdeacon, Deacon and priest were called the major orders. This system was abolished by the Second Vatican Council. The duties formely performed by members of the minor orders are now usually performed by the laity.

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