Overview

The Sacrament of 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. Through a special gift of the Holy Spirit, this sacrament enables the ordained to exercise a sacred power in the name and with the authority of Christ for the service of the People of God. The Sacrament of Holy Orders is composed of three degrees which are irreplaceable for the organic structure of the Church: the episcopate (bishops), the presbyterate (priests) and the diaconate (deacons).

Church Teaching

Go HERE to read what the Church teaches about the Sacrament of Holy Orders, as expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

When Celebrated

Holy Orders is celebrated:

• Annually at the ordinations of permanent deacons or presbyters (priests)
• As needed on the occasion of ordaining a priest to the episcopate (bishopry)

One or several bishops are presiders at a Mass of Ordination. These archdiocese-wide celebrations are normally held at the Co-cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston.

Sacramental Preparation

Formation toward Holy Orders is an process with much depth involving study in the seminary.  For the diaconate, 2-3 years of pre-study followed by 4 years of formation and discernment are required.  For the priesthood, seminary formation can range from 5-9 years.  This depends up whether the candidate has completed a university bachelor's degree or not, the degree major along with his other qualifications.  In each case, the course of study and discernment will be tailored for each candidate's situation.  

Anyone who may feel a call to Holy Orders should contact the pastor for assistance in beginning the process of discerning his potential vocation.  This can be arranged by contacting the parish office.