A life given for the service of God's people.
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission Christ entrusted to his apostles continues in the Church: in bishops, priests, and deacons who serve the whole people of God.
A gift of grace
Through Holy Orders, Christ continues to shepherd, teach, sanctify, and serve his people through ordained ministers.
A call to grow
Discernment unfolds over time with prayer, parish service, spiritual direction, and the Church's careful testing of the call.
How Holy Orders begins
- 1
Notice the call
A vocation often begins quietly, through prayer and service.
- 2
Talk with the pastor
A first conversation does not commit you to anything.
- 3
Discern
The Church helps test the call over time.
- 4
Serve
Holy Orders exists for the service of God's people.
What to prepare
Speak with our pastor after Mass, or call the parish office. A quiet conversation is always the first step.
- A first conversation with the pastor
- Questions about priesthood, diaconate, or consecrated life
- Current parish involvement or prayer life
- Time for ongoing discernment rather than a rushed decision
A first conversation is simply a beginning. It does not commit you to a path.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. It includes three degrees: bishop, priest, and deacon.
All Christians share in the one priesthood of Christ: the whole community of believers is, in that sense, priestly. Those who receive Holy Orders enter the ministerial priesthood, which exists to serve the common priesthood of all the baptized: to unfold the grace of baptism in every Christian life, and to build up and lead the Church as Christ continues to do through his ministers.
Hearing a call?
If you or someone you know is sensing a call to the priesthood, the permanent diaconate, or consecrated life, please speak with our pastor or contact the parish office. The parish prays for vocations regularly: including a Holy Hour for Vocations sponsored by the Knights of Columbus: and we would be glad to walk with you.