The Sacrament of Holy Orders: A Calling to Serve in Christ’s Mission

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is a vital and sacred tradition within the Catholic Church through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles continues to be carried out in the Church to this day and will be until the end of time. Holy Orders is the sacrament of apostolic ministry; it ensures that the Church remains faithful to the teachings and mission of Jesus Christ. Through Holy Orders, men are consecrated to continue Christ’s ministry and to serve the Church and its people with dedication and love.

Holy Orders encompasses three distinct orders within the Church: Bishop, Priest, and Deacon. Each of these roles is essential to the spiritual and pastoral life of the Church, with unique responsibilities and gifts bestowed upon them by the Holy Spirit:

• Bishop: As successors to the apostles, bishops receive the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. They are entrusted with the care of a local church (diocese) and hold the authority to teach, sanctify, and govern in Christ's name. Bishops oversee the ministry of priests and deacons, guide the faithful, and are responsible for the sacramental life of the diocese.
• Priest: Priests are co-workers with their bishops in the service of the faithful. They are called to preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and shepherd God’s people. Priests provide spiritual guidance, administer the sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Baptism, and Matrimony, and serve as spiritual leaders within parishes and communities.
• Deacon: Deacons are ordained for service to the Church and assist bishops and priests in various ministries. They have a special calling to serve the needs of the poor and marginalized, proclaim the Gospel, and participate in liturgical functions. Deacons may perform baptisms, witness marriages, preside over funerals, and lead prayers within the community.

Holy Orders is not merely a role or a job; it is a profound vocation—a calling from God to live a life dedicated to serving the Church and its members. This sacrament imprints a permanent spiritual character on the soul, signifying a lifelong commitment to Christ and His Church. Those who receive Holy Orders are entrusted with the responsibility to serve faithfully, proclaim the Gospel boldly, and lead others to a deeper relationship with God.

Exploring a Vocation to the Priesthood

For those who feel a calling to explore a vocation to the priesthood, this journey is one of deep discernment and spiritual growth. If you are considering this path, we encourage you to reach out to our Pastor to discuss your thoughts and feelings about this vocation. The decision to pursue the priesthood is a significant and life-changing choice, and our Pastor is here to provide guidance, answer any questions, and support you through this process.

Additionally, we invite you to visit our Diocesan Vocations website at www.beapriest.ca for more information. The website offers resources, testimonies from priests, and information about the formation process to help you better understand what it means to be called to serve as a priest in the Catholic Church.

If you believe that God may be calling you to serve in this sacred ministry, we encourage you to take the next step and begin this exciting journey of discernment. The Church needs men who are passionate about their faith, willing to serve, and ready to answer God’s call with courage and generosity.

Considering a Vocation to Religious Life

In addition to the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the Church also honours those who feel called to the vocation of religious life as brothers or sisters. Religious brothers and sisters dedicate their lives to God through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, living in community and serving in various ministries such as education, healthcare, social justice, and parish work. Their lives are marked by prayer, community living, and a commitment to service, embodying the Gospel in a radical way.

Religious life is a unique and beautiful calling to follow Christ more closely and to live out the evangelical counsels in a profound way. Brothers and sisters serve the Church and the world through their witness of faith, offering their lives as a testament to God’s love and mercy. They bring Christ’s compassion and presence to those they serve, whether in schools, hospitals, shelters, or missions around the world.

If you feel drawn to the vocation of a religious brother or sister, we encourage you to pray deeply and seek spiritual guidance. Please contact our Pastor or visit our Diocesan Vocations website for more information about religious communities and the process of discerning a call to religious life.

Answering the call to serve as a priest, deacon, brother, or sister is a profound journey of faith and love. We invite all those who feel called to explore these vocations to reach out and learn more about how they can serve God and His people with their whole hearts and lives.