The Sacrament of Holy Orders
“The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send more labourers into his harvest.”
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament through which Christ’s mission, entrusted to the Apostles, continues to be carried out in the Church. Through Holy Orders, men are ordained to serve God and His people as bishops, priests, and deacons. Each order has a distinct role in the life of the Church, but all are called to serve with humility, faith, and love, helping the faithful grow closer to Christ and proclaiming the Gospel to the world.
Priests, united with their bishop, serve the Church by preaching the Word of God, celebrating the Sacraments—especially the Eucharist—and shepherding God’s people. Deacons are ordained for service, assisting at the liturgy, proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, and serving those in need. Bishops receive the fullness of Holy Orders and have the responsibility of teaching, sanctifying, and shepherding the Church entrusted to their care.
A vocation to Holy Orders is a special call from God to serve His Church and His people. We give thanks for those who generously respond to this call and pray that our parish community will continue to encourage and support vocations to the priesthood and diaconate. May we all pray for those discerning a vocation and ask the Lord to send faithful and holy shepherds to serve His Church.
If you are considering a vocation to the Priesthood, religious life, or the diaconate, please speak to one of our priests. For more information, please visit https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ or speak to the Diocesan Vocations Director, Father John Ha.