07. Holy Orders
Our Catholic Church ordains certain men (by the imposition of a bishop’s hands) to be leaders of liturgical prayer, examples of service and administrators – deacons, priests, and bishops.
From the moment of Jesus' conception in the womb of Mary until his Resurrection, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. In biblical language, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit and thus established by God the Father as our high priest. As Risen Lord, he remains our high priest. . . . While all the baptized share in Christ's priesthood, the ministerial priesthood shares this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in a special way.
Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God's call using the words of the prophet, "Here I am, send me" (Is 6:8). This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate.
Next Steps
Contact one of our parish priests for a conversation, or get in touch directly with the Diocesan Director of Deacons or Seminarians.
The call to the diaconate is oriented to social service and preaching, and married people may apply. The priesthood is oriented towards liturgical prayer leadership and parish work and is currently only open to single men.