Ordination is a public celebration of those who have been called to a special ministry of service to the community.  In a special way the Church asks for the blessing of God on those who will be a special sign of God’s presence to all the people of God.  In the Sacrament of Holy Orders there are three degrees or “orders”:  deacon, priest, and bishop.  Each has a distinct and different ministry to the people of God.  Holy Orders and Matrimony belong to the Sacraments at the Service of Communion.  This means that they are directed primarily toward the service of others, and those who receive these sacraments grow in holiness through their service of others.
There are many resources for those seeking to learn more about becoming a priest or deacon or entering consecrated life, such as the following:

• Archdiocese of Washington: Vocations 

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations

Please call the Parish Office if you would like to talk to our Pastor or a Deacon regarding a call to the Priesthood or Diaconate.