Holy Orders

Priest's hands on the altar with chalices in the background during a religious ceremony.

Responding to God's Call to Serve

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is a sacred rite through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. This sacrament confers a special grace that enables the ordained to act in the person of Christ, serving the faithful through teaching, divine worship, and pastoral governance.

Degrees of Holy Orders

Silhouette of a person with a cross necklace and a cross.

Bishop: Possesses the fullness of the sacrament, serving as a successor to the apostles. Bishops are entrusted with teaching doctrine, governing Catholics in their jurisdiction, sanctifying the world, and representing the Church.

Icon of a person wearing a cross necklace, next to a cross.

Priest: Ordained to serve the community by administering the sacraments, preaching the Gospel, and shepherding the faithful. Priests act in the person of Christ and are co-workers with their bishops.

Silhouette of a person with a cross necklace and a cross.

Deacon: Ordained for service, deacons assist bishops and priests in the liturgy, proclaim the Gospel, and dedicate themselves to various ministries of charity.

At Mary, Mother of God Parish, we encourage those discerning a vocation to the priesthood or diaconate to engage in prayerful reflection and seek guidance from our clergy. Our parish community is committed to supporting individuals in their vocational journey.

For more information on vocations and the discernment process, please contact the parish office.