THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS
Called to Serve Christ and His Church.
Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, Christ continues His ministry in the Church through bishops, priests, and deacons. Those who receive Holy Orders are called to serve the People of God through the proclamation of the Gospel, the celebration of the sacraments, and lives of pastoral service.
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
— John 20:21
ONE SACRAMENT · THREE DEGREES
Bishops, Priests & Deacons.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is received in three degrees: the episcopate, the presbyterate, and the diaconate. Each participates in the ministry entrusted by Christ to His Church, serving the People of God according to a particular vocation and responsibility.
BISHOPS
Successors of the Apostles
Bishops receive the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. As successors of the Apostles, they are entrusted with teaching, sanctifying, and governing the Church, and they shepherd the faithful entrusted to their care.
PRIESTS
Co-workers With the Bishop
Priests share in the ministry of the bishop and serve the People of God through the proclamation of the Gospel, the celebration of the Eucharist and other sacraments, and the pastoral care of the faithful.
DEACONS
Ordained for Service
Deacons are ordained to serve the Church through the ministry of the Word, the liturgy, and charity. They proclaim the Gospel, assist at the altar, baptize, witness marriages, and serve the needs of the Christian community.
THE RITE OF ORDINATION
Ordained Through Prayer & the Laying on of Hands.
From the time of the Apostles, the Church has continued the ordained ministry through prayer and the laying on of hands. In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the bishop lays his hands upon the man to be ordained and prays the Prayer of Ordination, invoking the Holy Spirit and consecrating him for his ministry in the Church.
“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands of the presbyterate.”
— 1 Timothy 4:14
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS
In silence, the bishop lays his hands upon the head of the man being ordained. This ancient gesture, rooted in the life of the early Church, signifies the conferral of the Holy Spirit for ordained ministry.
THE PRAYER OF ORDINATION
The bishop then prays the solemn Prayer of Ordination, asking God to pour out the grace of the Holy Spirit upon the newly ordained for the ministry entrusted to him.
SENT FORTH TO SERVE
Ordination is not simply an honor or a new role. The ordained are entrusted with a lifelong mission of service to Christ and His Church according to their particular ministry as bishop, priest, or deacon.
DISCERNING A VOCATION
Is God Calling You to Serve?
A vocation to ordained ministry begins with prayer, discernment, and a willingness to listen to where God may be calling you. If you believe God may be calling you to the priesthood or the permanent diaconate, you do not have to discern that call alone.
DISCERNING THE PRIESTHOOD
If you feel called to the priesthood, the Diocese of Orlando Office of Vocations can help you explore that call, answer questions, and guide you through the discernment process.
DISCERNING THE PERMANENT DIACONATE
Men who believe they may be called to serve the Church as permanent deacons are encouraged to learn more about the vocation, formation, and discernment process through the Diocese of Orlando.
Not sure where God is calling you? Begin with prayer. Ask the Lord for the grace to listen, and be open to where He may lead you.