“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
1 Peter 2:9
God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him
who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Holy Orders is a Sacrament of Vocation. Individuals called by God to be priests or deacons receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The sacrament confers an indelible mark called a sacramental character on the recipient’s soul. Through this sacrament, the priest or deacon receives sacred graces to shepherd and serve God’s people.
Some men and women are called by God to Religious Life. They accept the call to a life of total devotion to Jesus Christ through prayer and dedicated service to His Church. Those in Religious Life usually live in community with others and take vows as appropriate to their specific community.
To learn more about Holy Orders or Religious Life, please click here.
