holy orders

What are Holy Orders?

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 is the sacrament of apostolic ministry and is lived in three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate
(cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536).

Through ordination, the Holy Spirit grants a special grace that configures the ordained person to Christ, allowing him to serve the Church as His instrument. This consecration is not merely a human choice, but a divine gift that grants participation in the “sacred power” of Christ.

The visible sign of this sacrament is the laying on of hands by the bishop together with the prayer of consecration. Through this act, the ordained person is set apart and sent to serve the People of God, acting in the name of Christ as priest, prophet, and king
(cf. CCC 1538, 1581).

If you feel a restlessness or attraction in your heart toward the priesthood or the diaconate, it is possible that the Lord is calling you to serve Him in a special way. Vocational discernment is a path of prayer, accompaniment, and openness to the will of God.

We invite you to take the next step:

  • Dedicate time to personal prayer and the sacraments
  • Seek spiritual direction
  • Learn more about the vocation to the ordained ministry

For more information and vocational resources, please visit:
calledbychrist.com