Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Jesus to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church to the end of time. St. Thomas Aquinas makes the important point that only Christ is the true priest, the others serve as his ministers [Hebrews 8:4]. Bishops are the successors of the Apostles, and priests and deacons are his assistants in rendering service. Men are ordained to the priesthood in the Catholic Church, as the sacrament confers upon the priest the character to act in the person of Christ [in persona Christi].

Holy Orders is the sacrament of Apostolic ministry. The rite consists of the Bishop's imposition of hands on the head of the priest-candidate with the consecrating prayer asking God for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the gifts of the ordained ministry. There are three dimensions to ministry, that of Bishop, Priesthood, and the Diaconate.

What do I need to do?

If you feel God may be calling you to serve Him and His people as a priest or deacon, our priest or deacons would be happy to help you with your vocation discernment and to answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

Please call the parish office at 505.839.7952 and your call will be directed so that you may speak to a priest or deacon.