SACRAMENT OF SERVICE
Holy Orders
Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, men are ordained to serve Christ and His Church as bishops, priests, and deacons.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS
Called to Serve Christ and His Church
Holy Orders continues the apostolic ministry entrusted by Christ to His Church. Through ordination, a man is configured for sacred service as a bishop, priest, or deacon.
Each degree of Holy Orders has a distinct role in the life of the Church, united in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel, serving God’s people, and building up the Body of Christ.
THREE DEGREES OF HOLY ORDERS
One Sacrament, Three Forms of Service
Bishops, priests, and deacons each share in the Sacrament of Holy Orders and serve the Church in distinct but complementary ways.
Bishop
Bishops are successors of the Apostles and are entrusted with teaching, sanctifying, and shepherding the faithful entrusted to their care.
Priest
Priests serve as co-workers of the bishop, proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the Eucharist and other sacraments, and shepherding the people of God.
Deacon
Deacons are ordained to serve Christ and His people through the ministries of the Word, the Liturgy, and Charity.
DISCERNING A VOCATION
Is God Calling You to Serve?
A vocation is discovered through prayer, discernment, and the life of the Church. If you sense that God may be calling you to ordained ministry, you do not need to have every answer before taking the next step.
Priesthood
The Diocese of Charlotte encourages men discerning the priesthood to deepen their prayer life, receive the sacraments regularly, remain active in parish life, and seek guidance from their pastor and diocesan vocation resources.
Permanent Diaconate
Permanent deacons are ordained ministers called to serve Christ and His people through the ministries of the Word, the Liturgy, and Charity. The Diocese provides a formal process of inquiry, aspirancy, formation, and discernment for men considering this vocation.
DISCERN YOUR CALL
Think God May Be Calling You?
If you feel drawn toward priesthood or the permanent diaconate, begin with prayer and conversation. Our parish is here to help you take the next step in discernment.