Holy Orders

"For Moses ordained him and anointed him with the holy oil, In a lasting covenant with him and with his family, as permanent as the heavens, That he should serve God in his priesthood and bless his people in his name." - Sir 45:15

Each bishop has the pastoral care of the particular Church entrusted to him and is the lawful pastor only of the portion of the flock entrusted to his care, as a legitimate successor of the apostles he is, by divine institution and precept, responsible with the other bishops for the apostolic mission of the Church (CCC 1560).

The priests are consecrated in order to preach the Gospel and shepherd of the faithful as well as to celebrate divine worship as true priests of the New Testament (CCC 1564).

The deacon has the task to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospels, and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various mysteries of charity (CCC 1570).

Jesus tells us in the Scriptures that we are to pray to God to send workers into the fields for the harvest of souls. God chooses people for ordination and special consecration to serve the Church. For many, the discernment process is complicated and often confusing.

Spiritual direction and guidance is available to any man or woman contemplating a religious vocation by calling one of the priests at the parish office. In addition to supporting you through this process, a priest can direct you to the Diocesan Vocations Office for more information about your many options.