Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which Christ continues to build and guide His Church. It is not simply a role—it is a divine calling, a consecration that configures a man to Christ the Servant, the High Priest, and the Good Shepherd.
The Deacon is ordained to serve. He proclaims the Gospel, assists at the altar, and brings Christ’s love to the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. His ministry is one of humble presence, reminding the Church that service is at the heart of holiness.
The Priest is ordained to sanctify. He celebrates the Eucharist, forgives sins, and shepherds the faithful with compassion and wisdom. In his hands, bread & wine becomes the Body & Blood of Christ, and hearts are restored to grace. He stands as a bridge between heaven and earth, offering the mercy of Christ to all.
The Bishop is ordained to govern, teach, and sanctify. As a successor to the Apostles, he carries the fullness of the priesthood, overseeing the Church with fatherly care. He ordains others, safeguards the faith, and leads the flock entrusted to him. His ministry is one of apostolic leadership, rooted in communion with Christ and the universal Church.
Together, these three orders form a living chain of grace—a visible sign that Christ is still with His Church, speaking, healing, and guiding through those He has called.
What if I think I have a vocation to the Priesthood?
That stirring in your heart may be the voice of Christ calling you to something beautiful. A vocation to the priesthood begins with a desire to serve, to love deeply, and to give your life for others in the name of Jesus. If you feel drawn to this path—even if you're unsure or feel unworthy—don’t ignore it. Explore it.
Start by speaking with your pastor or a trusted spiritual mentor. They can help you discern, pray with you, and connect you with the diocesan vocations office. You don’t need to have all the answers—just a willingness to listen and take the next step.
God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. If He is calling you, He will also give you the grace to follow.
Visit the Diocesan site for Priesthood Vocations.
What if I think I have a vocation to the Diaconate?
A sense that you may be called to the Diaconate is something to take seriously—and gently. God often speaks through a quiet tug on the heart, a desire to serve, or a growing awareness that your life is meant to be poured out for others. If you feel drawn to this ministry, don’t be afraid to explore it.
Begin by speaking with your pastor or a trusted spiritual mentor. They can help you discern whether this desire is truly a call from God and guide you toward the diocesan diaconate office. Formation for the Diaconate is a journey of prayer, study, and service—not something you walk alone.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You simply need openness.
If God is calling you to the Diaconate, He will give you the grace, the strength, and the joy to follow that call.
Visit the Diocesan site for Diaconate Vocations.
