Holy Orders

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; thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. 

Life as a priest, is a calling that Jesus invites the person to discern as a way of life in service to God. It is a calling to serve Christ and His people according to God's plan by dispensing of the Sacraments that Jesus Himself gave us. The Sacraments Priests can celebrate are baptisms, Mass, marriages and anointing of the sick. The priest can confirm with the permission of the local bishop. There is a process required to become a priest and there are requirements. One must be a baptized male Catholic in good standing of the Church. To see more about vocations click on the link here.

A deacon assists the parish priest in his duties to serve the people of God. They also live a life of sacrifice. A deacon can baptize and celebrate the matrimony ceremony, but not the Mass or anointing of the sick. Some, when approved by the Bishop, can preach. Deacons assist at the altar at Mass and are considered "ordinary ministers of Holy Communion". This means that they are preferred to bring communion to the faithful at Mass and to the home-bound, hospitals or care centers.  Many might teach sessions or assist in any other way that is needed.

Discerning a call to religious life, such as with a Dominican order, or the Franciscans, is a different calling from Jesus. This is a discernment to a call to grow in holiness by joining a specific religious community. For example, some people who feel called for a different calling to holiness outside of marriage, by living in a community of believers who help each other in this singular task. Further discernment is made to understand how God is calling them to holiness. Some may be called by helping the poor or by teaching. The Franciscan order was founded to help the poor. The Dominican order was founded for people who are called to preach or teach. Some people feel called to pray or offer their life as a sacrifice of prayer. There are many different convents that have that focus, but with differing spiritual customs that help them grow.

We invite all single people to discern a religious vocation as a viable option for the future.  Please explore the possibility of priesthood or religious life!

If you would like information on any religious vocation, please contact Father through the Parish Office (815-589-3542).

Biblical background for ordained priests and deacons.

--To be written--