Holy Orders
HOLY ORDERS
From the moment of Jesus' conception in the womb of Mary until his Resurrection,
he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
In biblical language, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit and thus established by
God the Father as our high priest.
As Risen Lord, he remains our high priest. . . . While all the baptized share in Christ's priesthood, the ministerial priesthood shares this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in a special way.
"Here I am, send me." (Is 6:8)
Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God's call using the words of the prophet, "Here I am, send me" (Is 6:8). This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate.
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
The step-by-step process to help us learn the particular vocation God has chosen for us consists of:
- Fervent daily prayer.
- Consultation and collaboration with your parish priest and the Diocesan Director of Vocations.
- Spiritual direction from a qualified spiritual director, such as one recommended by the
Director of Vocations. - Seminary formation for those pursuing possible ordination to the priesthood or diaconate; or formation
within a religious community for those pursuing possible religious life as a sister, nun, brother or monk.
Contact the Diocese of Palm Beach Office of Vocations for additional information.