-
Within the life of the Church, some are called to serve in particular roles of leadership. The sacrament of Holy Orders consecrates bishops, priests and deacons to serve the people of God.
- The bishop is entrusted with a threefold ministry of teaching, sanctifying and governing a local Church in communion with the Church universal.
- The priest is a co-worker with the bishop, and usually serves a community known as a parish.
- The deacon, who has a more limited liturgical role, assists in the practical works of charity the local Church undertakes.
All baptised persons share in the priesthood of Jesus. In daily life they seek to bring about God's reign and to be instruments of grace to all they meet. Those called to Orders share in a special way in Jesus' priesthood. In the Latin (Roman) tradition of the Church, only males who undertake a celibate lifestyle are ordained. Since Vatican II one the three ordained orders, the diaconate has been made available to married males. Soon after Vatican II many dioceses in the United States ordained married deacons as permanent deacons. Some of the roles of deacons include preaching, baptising and presiding at funerals.
-
Interested in learning more?
Click here to learn about the Diaconate Program.
Click here to learn about Discerning the Priesthood.