Holy Orders
“Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate (bishop), presbyterate (priest), and diaconate (deacon).” (CCC 1536)
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is received in three steps, each one sacramental. Each step configures the person to Christ in a special way and puts the person in a special relationship with the Church. The first step is ordination to the diaconate. A deacon serves the diocese in ways designated by the bishop and may be either a single or a married man. The second step is the Presbyterate. A priest who is ordained for a diocese serves the diocese for which he is ordained. A priest ordained for a religious order, such as a Dominican, Franciscan or Jesuit, serves a larger area according to the particular needs of his religious order. The third step is ordination to the Episcopacy. A bishop is appointed as a successor to the apostles and serves the church as spiritual leader and father of a particular diocese.
Office of Vocations: 614-221-5565
St. Mary Parish Office: 614-445-9668
If you would like to learn more about the process of discernment, The Melchizedek Project is a spiritual discernment group that helps high school and college-aged men consider a vocation to the Priesthood. It is based on the book “To Save A Thousand Souls” by Fr. Brett Brannen. All participants will enjoy a meal at each meeting and receive the book for free. Visit the website for more information, and to find a Melchizedek Project near you! https://www.vocationscolumbus.org/project