Priesthood (Holy Orders)

The Priesthood is a sacrament. Sacraments are physical means through which God’s grace is experienced in the world. The sacrament of the priesthood (known as Holy Orders) is the visible way through which Christ continues His mission in the world.

A Calling

The priesthood is a call from Christ to live in a relationship with him by serving His people. Not content to leave His people with simply the memory of his redeeming love, Christ chose certain ones of His followers (the Apostles) to continue His work on earth until the end of time. The priesthood is an extension of this, and is hence a continuation of the work of Christ in the world today.

While the whole Church is a priestly people, sharing in the priesthood of Christ by their daily sacrifice, prayers and spreading of the Gospel, God calls specific men to serve in His Name in the midst of the community. These men are priests.

Today’s Fishers of Men

Discovering God’s plan for you happens through a process of prayerful discernment. The following are concrete steps to discovering this plan:

• Be Still in order to hear the Lord’s voice calling. Take tie to pray and meditate before the Lord present in the Eucharist; ask our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede in your vocation
• Find a Spiritual Director—somebody you can be open with—who can help you to develop your relationship with our Lord and to know yourself better.
• Get in Touch with the vocation director of our diocese. Speaking with a vocation director does not mean you must become a priest, but rather allows you to learn more about the priesthood.
• Read up on religious and priestly life.
• Participate in come and see retreats.
• Trust: “Do not be afraid!” Discerning your vocation is not for the weak of heart. Yet be assured: God’s timing is always perfect—but seldom soon enough!