The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Continuing the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles, ordaining deacons, priests, and bishops to shepherd the People of God.
Discerning a Call to the Priesthood?
Young men considering a call to the priesthood should endeavor to attend Mass frequently, go to confession regularly, cultivate a daily prayer life, and participate actively in parish ministries. You are encouraged to contact our pastor for continued guidance and spiritual direction.
Listen to a priest’s vocational discernment testimony on his call to Holy Orders:
Seminarian Formation
Within the Diocese of Charlotte, seminarians are formed at St. Joseph College Seminary (Charlotte, NC), Mount St. Mary’s Seminary (Cincinnati, OH), or the Pontifical North American College (Rome, Italy). Please keep our seminarians and vocations in your daily prayers.
Support for Parents
A parent’s support and encouragement of their son’s discernment is vital. Pray for him daily that he may discover and joyfully embrace God’s will. Help him connect to our parish priests, who will gladly answer questions about seminary and priestly life.
About the Sacrament of Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. It includes three degrees: the Episcopate (bishops), the Presbyterate (priests), and the Diaconate (deacons).
"Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time..." (CCC 1536)
"The ministries conferred by ordination are irreplaceable for the organic structure of the Church: without the bishop, presbyters, and deacons, one cannot speak of the Church." (CCC 1593)
"The laying on of hands followed by a solemn prayer of consecration asking God to grant the ordained the graces of the Holy Spirit required for his ministry." (CCC 1597)
"Though they differ in essence and not only in degree, the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood are nonetheless interrelated: each of them, in its own special way, is a participation in the one priesthood of Christ." (Lumen Gentium 10)