While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off. [Acts 13:2-3]

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

Holy Orders are administered by a bishop to a man for the perpetuation of the apostolic ministry. There are three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders: episcopacy, priesthood, and diaconate. The sacrament imprints an indelible mark on the soul, by which the recipient is configured to Christ for the sanctification of the Church.

Vocations to Holy Orders

Priesthood

Priests are configured to Christ the High Priest in prayer, obedience, and celibacy. They share in the bishop’s ministry of administering the sacraments and preaching the Gospel. For more information on becoming a priest, visit acalltoholiness.com and diocesanpriest.com

Diaconate

Deacons are configured to Christ the Servant in prayer and obedience. They assist the bishop in his ministry of administering the sacraments and in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. For more information on becoming a deacon, visit rvcdeacons.org