Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles; thus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the Sacrament of Holy Orders as "the sacrament of apostolic ministry." Scripture attests to ordination several times in the New Testament, usually referred to as the laying on of hands (Acts 6:6, Acts 13:2, 2 Tim 1:6). The laying on of hands is still a sign used in the ritual today to signify the imposition of the Holy Spirit for the mission of the ordinand.

There are three levels of ordination: diaconate (deacon), presbyterate (priest) and episcopate (bishop). All of these are one sacrament, celebrated three times with successively higher sacramental effects and confer different roles within Christ's priesthood.

In the Order of the Episcopacy the fullness of ordination is obtained. All bishops trace their authority back to the Apostles who themselves selected a replacement for Judas (Acts 1) and commissioned Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13). As successors to the Apostles, the bishops receive this priestly office to sanctify, teach, and shepherd the people of God. All bishops are ordained priests who have been selected through a special discernment for episcopal ministry.

In the Order of the Presbyter men are ordained to share in Jesus' priestly minister. Priests assist bishops in their ministry and promise obedience and respect to them. Priests share in the office of sanctifying, teaching, and governing and do so primarily through the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Mass and Reconciliation. The Church chooses to ordain only celibate men to the priesthood in imitation of Christ's celibacy.

In the Order of the Diaconate men are ordained to share in Jesus' ministry as a servant. Deacons are ordained to assist bishops and priests so that they may focus on the responsibilities entrusted to them. Many deacons help in the celebration of the Sacraments, but cannot offer Mass, hear Confessions, or annoint the sick. Diaconal ministry is often diverse, from service in prison ministries to parish administration. The Church does ordain married men to the diaconate.

Interested in becoming a priest or deacon?

Discerning Priesthood:

 At St. Thomas Aquinas we offer a variety of ways to discern God's call in your life. If you believe that God might be calling you to serve as a priest the best response is to form a life of prayer! To assist you with this St. Thomas offers;

 1. Monthly priest discernment group meetings.
 2. Personal Spiritual Direction with Fr. Kyle or Fr. Casey
 3. Meetings with our Vocation Director, Fr. Mark Murphy

Discerning the Diaconate:

We also want to help men discern the diaconate. Many deacons have an established career and family. This discernment must take these into account, especially your wife and children. As with the priesthood, if you feel God is calling you to serve in this special way the first and best response is to develop your life of prayer. 

If God may be calling you to the diaconate please reach out to Fr. Kyle or Fr. Casey for more tips on prayer and discernment.