Aaronic Priesthood

"The Aaronic Priesthood helps God’s children prepare to return to His presence. It holds “the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism” (Doctrine and Covenants 13; see also 3.3.2 in this handbook)." (General Handbook Section 10.1)

The Year Before

For parents of young men, we invite you to use the year preceding their son's ordination as a time to prepare them to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. For parents of young women, their last year of primary can also be a wonderful time to help their daughters learn more about priesthood power, authority, and keys.

To help parents teach their children about the Aaronic Priesthood, we encourage them to use the following resources:

• Appendix A: For Parents--Preparing Your Children for a Lifetime on God's Covenant Path, found in the back of the Come, Follow Me manual

• Gospel Study Guide: Aaronic Priesthood in the Gospel Library

• General Handbook Section 3: Priesthood Principles

The Month Before

While your son is preparing to be ordained to the Aaronic priesthood, please complete the following steps:

• Contact the Ward Executive Secretary to let him know you'd like to schedule an appointment with the Bishop for your child to be interviewed to receive the Aaronic Priesthood

• With your son, meet with the Bishop to discuss your child's preparation to the Aaronic priesthood; note that this interview may correspond with their interview to receive their first temple recommend to perform proxy baptisms and confirmations

• Work with the appropriate member of the bishopric to schedule a time and place for your son to be ordained

• Introduce your son to their quorum president, typically the deacons quorum president

The Day Of

• • Be prepared to stand as your name is read in sacrament meeting

  • Gather your family to the appointed place at the appointed time for your ordination

  • Afterwards, take a moment to record your experiences of the day

We hope you enjoy and honor the sacred privilege to represent the Lord as you exercise his priesthood power.