Holy Orders

By virtue of our Baptism, all Christians are part of a common priesthood of believers. We are all called to participate in Christ’s mission. Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, bishops and priests are given a special role in carrying out this mission. They exercise a ministerial priesthood. Deacons also receive a special grace through ordination and are called to assist the ministry of bishops and priests (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1547, 1554).

Pope Benedict XVI writes, “The priest is above all a servant of others” (Sacramentum Caritatis 23). In gathering the community, modeling Christ’s love for the poor, presiding at Eucharist, and evangelizing social realities, ordained ministers help Christians to imitate Christ’s mission of love and justice.

Do you feel a calling to the Priesthood? Have a question about vocations? Feel free to speak with the Vocational Director for the Diocese of Joliet, at 815-221-6100.

Find out more at:

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet in Illinois