Holy Orders is the sacrament by which bishops, priests and deacons are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. The sacred rite by which orders are conferred is called ordination. The apostles were ordained by Jesus at the Last Supper so that others could share in his priesthood.
Called to Serve…?
All people are called to serve God just as all people are called to holiness. A priest is called by God to serve in a very specific way as an alter Christus, another Christ.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The ministerial or hierarchical priesthood of bishops and priests, and the common priesthood of all the faithful participate, “each in its own proper way, in the one priesthood of Christ.” While being “ordered one to another,” they differ essentially. In what sense? While the common priesthood of the faithful is exercised by the unfolding of baptismal grace –a life of faith, hope, and charity, a life according to the Spirit–, the ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood. It is directed at the unfolding of the baptismal grace of all Christians. The ministerial priesthood is a means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads his Church. For this reason, it is transmitted by its own sacrament, the sacrament of Holy Orders. (CCC no. 1547)
PREPARATION
Discernment is a natural process, and everyone considering a call from our Lord experiences to some degree, a time of discernment. It’s good to ask questions, observe, listen, and dialogue with those you love – most importantly, our Lord! If you are considering the possibility of priesthood or religious life, please allow us to aid you in your process of discernment
The Office of Vocations in the Diocese of Fresno would be pleased to answer any questions or concerns you might have.
CONTACT
To learn more about this sacrament, please contact the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Fresno Fr. Ivan Hernandez-Melchorat (559) 488-7424
The third level of the Sacrament of Holy Orders is the diaconate. Deacons assist priests and bishops, but beyond the preaching of the Gospel, they are granted no special charism or spiritual gift.
In the Eastern Churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, the permanent diaconate has been a constant feature. In the West, the office of deacon was reserved for men who intended to be ordained to the priesthood. The permanent diaconate was restored in the West by the Second Vatican Council. Married men are allowed to become permanent deacons.
For more information please call the Director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Fresno Dn. Mark Shultz at (559) 474-4374
