Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the gift of service to the Church that some men are called to. They may serve as deacons, priests, and bishops. In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest or deacon being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments ( especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness. Their role is vital to the life of the Church, and they spend a great deal of time studying and praying about this life of service to the Church so the Church can continue to celebrate the sacraments and spead the Gospel.  

Some men are called to be permanent deacons. These men may be married. They receive an extensive training through their diocese and, once ordained, serve the Church by assisting a pastor. Deacons are allowed to witness marriages, to baptize, and to assist at Mass.

Those men called to the priesthood will be ordained "transitional deacons," generally about one year before being ordained to the priesthood. Men who are ordained priests have a wide variety of tasks within the Church. They may celebrate Mass and preach the Gospel, lead a Parish, prepare members of the Church to receive the sacraments, perform funerals, minister the sacraments, provide spiritual direction, and pray for the people of God.

The final degree of Holy Orders is to the episcopate -- the order of bishop. Bishops are called to this position by the Holy Father himself.

We ask for your prayerful support as these men discern their vocations and serve our diocese. If interested in becoming ordained, please call the parish office at 850-222-1321 or the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee's Pastoral Center at 850-435-3500 to learn more.