The Aaronic Priesthood is the lesser of the two levels or orders of priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the Church today, worthy male members may receive the Aaronic Priesthood beginning in January of the year they turn 12.
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The offices of the Aaronic Priesthood are bishop, priest, teacher, and deacon. These young men who are priests, teachers and deacons, typically ages 11–17, receive many opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances and give service.
With the authorization of the presiding priesthood leader (usually the bishop or branch president), deacons pass the sacrament. They help the bishop or branch president watch over Church members by giving service and assisting with temporal matters such as gathering fast offerings. Teachers may perform all the duties of deacons, and they also receive other opportunities to serve. They prepare the sacramental bread and water and serve as ministering brothers. Priests may perform all the duties of deacons and teachers. With the authorization of the presiding priesthood leader, they may also bless the sacrament, baptize, and ordain others to the offices of priest, teacher, and deacon.
The name of the Aaronic Priesthood comes from Aaron, brother of Moses, in the Old Testament.
See also: Melchizedek Priesthood, Priesthood