Holy Orders

SACRAMENTS

Is God calling you?

Without being too clever about it, one could call the Catholic priesthood the civil service of the Lord. The sacrament is that which guarantees the on-going life of the church – the Body of Christ. Holy Orders maintains the continuity of the original group of apostles to our own day. It's a huge responsibility.

The priesthood is the vehicle that God, through His Son, chose to maintain the outward flow of His grace and blessings through the sacraments. The priest, through this sacrament of Holy Orders, offers sacrifice to God for Men; forgives sins (through the sacrament of Reconciliation); baptizes (through the sacrament of Baptism); consecrates (through the sacrament of Anointing); welcomes new people into God's community; the man and woman in marriage (through the sacrament of Matrimony).

Understanding the Priesthood

The vocation to ordained ministry is a calling from God to serve His people through prayer, preaching, and the sacraments.

Three Degrees of Orders

Holy Orders includes three degrees: Deacon, Priest, and Bishop. Each has distinct roles in serving God's people and maintaining the continuity of apostolic succession.

Diocesan & Religious Priests

Men can serve as diocesan priests in a particular parish or as religious order priests (Franciscans, Benedictines, Jesuits) who serve in various ministries.

The Discernment Process

Discerning a call to priesthood takes prayer, spiritual direction, and time. Our diocese and religious communities offer programs to help men explore this vocation.

Seminary Formation

Seminarians undergo years of formation in human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions, preparing them to serve God's people faithfully.

Explore Your Vocation

Institute on Religious Life

Explore religious vocations

Vocational Events

Attend discernment retreats

Clergy & Religious

Learn about religious orders

Additional Information

Office for Religious Vocations Secretariat for Clergy and Religious Diocesan Retreat and Vocation Weekends

Diocese of Cleveland

If you are interested in learning more about a specific religious order in Cleveland, there are three large seminaries in the area:

Borromeo Seminary (like our very own Father Gary Charles)
Saint Mary Seminary (where you can meet Father Jared Orndorff)
Franciscan University

Religious Orders

Many religious orders serve in Cleveland and beyond:

The Franciscans
The Benedictines
The Jesuits
Saint Ignatius High School
John Carroll University (Prep & College)

Ready to Learn More?

If you feel you may have a calling, we encourage you to speak with someone from the religious community. Additional information concerning a vocation can be found at the Parish Life Center or through the Church Vocations office.

Contact Parish Office Church Vocations

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