A Sacred Gift for the Church

Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, the Holy Spirit calls men to a life of prayer, service and self-gift for the good of God’s people and the building up of the Church.

A Divine Calling

A personal call from God, discerned within the Church, to serve with a generous and faithful heart.

A Life of Service

Ordained ministers proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments and shepherd God’s people.

For the Good of All

Their ministry strengthens the Church and reflects Christ’s love in our world.

A Lifelong Commitment

Holy Orders is not just a role, but a lifelong configuration to Christ the High Priest.

The Three Degrees of Holy Orders

There are three degrees of Holy Orders, each with a distinct role in building up the Body of Christ.

Deacon

• Ordained to serve in charity, the Word and the liturgy.
• Proclaims the Gospel and assists at the Altar and Baptisms.
• Serves the poor and those in need.
• May serve as a permanent deacon (married or single) or in preparation for the priesthood (transitional).

Priest

• Configured to Christ the Head and Shepherd.
• Celebrates the Eucharist and the other sacraments.
• Proclaims the Gospel and teaches in His name.
• Shepherds and serves the parish community.

Bishop

• Ordained to the fullness of the priesthood.
• Shepherds a particular Church (diocese) in the person of Christ.
• Teaches, sanctifies and governs the diocese in communion with the Pope and other bishops.
• Ordains priests and deacons.

The harvest is abundant but the labourers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest to send labourers for his harvest.

Luke 10:2