Holy Orders

“And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-12

In Jesus’ earthly life, Jesus gave a share in his priesthood to the 12 apostles. In turn, the priesthood has been handed on through the authority of the Church for two millennia. The priesthood is not a position of power, but of service (Matthew 20:25-28, John 13:2-20).

Priests carry on the ministry of Jesus through the sacraments and the preaching of the Gospel, and they are called to strengthen the people of God so they might too be the light of the world.

From Jesus’ conception until his resurrection he was filled with the Holy Spirit, thus established by God the Father as our high priest and remains our high priest. Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and gift from God. 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. – United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Men and women who feel that they may be called by God to the religious life should talk with a pastor. Men who feel that they are being called to the Diaconate may contact the Office of the Diaconate. Feel free to contact your parish office to have a discussion. You may also contact the Director of Vocations at the Archdiocese of Denver at 303-282-3429.

It is through Holy Orders that the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry.  – Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536