Holy Orders
The sacrament of apostolic ministry through which men are consecrated to shepherd God's people as bishops, priests, and deacons, continuing the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles.
Called to Shepherd God's People
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. It includes three degrees: bishops, priests, and deacons, each called to serve God's people with humility and love.
This sacrament confers a sacred power for the service of the faithful. Those who receive Holy Orders are consecrated in Christ's name to feed the Church with the Word and grace of God, becoming shepherds, teachers, and sanctifiers of the people.
The call to Holy Orders is a divine vocation requiring careful discernment, extensive seminary formation, and a lifelong commitment to serving God's people. We pray for vocations and support those discerning this sacred calling.
Key Aspects
Signs of Grace
Laying on of hands and prayer
Christ's Presence
Configured to Christ the priest
Church Community
Ordained to serve God's people
"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain"
The Sacred Effects of Holy Orders
Through Holy Orders, God consecrates men to act in the person of Christ, giving them authority to celebrate sacraments and shepherd his people.
Sacred Character
Imprints an indelible spiritual character that configures the man to Christ the priest forever.
Sacred Power
Confers the power to celebrate sacraments and shepherd God's people with authority.
Grace of State
Provides special graces needed to fulfill the duties of ordained ministry faithfully.
Configuration to Christ
The ordained person acts in the person of Christ the head of the Church.
Pastoral Care
Called to serve the Church with humility, following Christ's example of servant leadership.
Requirements for Holy Orders
The journey to priesthood or diaconate requires careful discernment, seminary formation, and preparation in service to God's people.
Vocational Discernment
For those sensing a call to priesthood or diaconate
Clear sense of calling from God to serve
Discernment through prayer and spiritual direction
Recognition by the Church community
Acceptance by the bishop after evaluation
Internal conviction of being chosen
Seminary Formation
For candidates preparing for priesthood
Seminary education (6-8 years for priests)
Academic studies in theology and philosophy
Spiritual formation and prayer life
Pastoral training and field experience
Human development and maturity
Personal Qualifications
Requirements for ordination candidates
Baptized Catholic male in good standing
Sound physical and mental health
Good moral character and reputation
Commitment to celibacy (for priests)
Ability to relate well to people
Discern Your Vocation
If you feel called to explore a vocation to the priesthood or diaconate, we invite you to begin a journey of prayerful discernment and contact your diocesan vocations director for guidance.