THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

"The Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry by which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church through the laying on of hands. This sacrament has three distinct degrees or 'orders': deacon, priest, and bishop. All three confer a permanent, sacramental character" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 536).

"The whole Church is a priestly people. Through Baptism all the faithful share in the priesthood of Christ. This participation is called the 'common priesthood of the faithful.' Based on this common priesthood and ordered to its service, there exists another participation in the mission of Christ: the ministry conferred by the sacrament of Holy Orders, where the task is to serve in the name and in the person of Christ the Head in the midst of the community" (Catechism, 1591).

If you want to learn more about Holy Orders please make an appointment to speak with one of our priest.

From the moment of Jesus' conception in the womb of Mary until his Resurrection, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. In biblical language, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit and thus established by God the Father as our high priest. As Risen Lord, he remains our high priest. . . . While all the baptized share in Christ's priesthood, the ministerial priesthood shares this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in a special way. 

"Here I am, send me." (Is 6:8)

Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God's call using the words of the prophet, "Here I am, send me" (Is 6:8). This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate. ~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults | en español

Pray

Prayer for Priests

Prayers for Vocations

Prayer Card for Vocations | en español

Prayer and Discernment Resources

Learn

Explore the USCCA to learn about the Sacrament of Holy Orders and what role ordained ministers have in the life of the Church. | en español 

Vocations

The Discernment Process

Act

Holy Orders: Ordained to Serve, Gather, Transform, and Send | en español

Parent and Family Resources for Vocations

Parish Resources for Vocations

WHAT IS GOD CALLING YOU TO? 

A lot of people decide what they want to do with their life from an early age. The little kids are usually a fireman, police officer, doctors, superheroes, and the like. What everyone should be asking, is what is God calling me too? That is the important thing to understand and to know, what is God calling me to. Is he calling me to the priesthood, consecrated life, religious life? Or is he calling me to be married, or even single life? These are the questions that everyone should be asking. What is God calling me to? Here is a little video that might help you.

If have any desire or discerning a call the priesthood, religious life, consecrated life please come and talk with a priest and they can help you to discern where God might be calling you to. Also, the can pray for you, which is always an added benefit. 

For more information check out our Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Vocation Website