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, presbyterate, and diaconate.” (CCC 1536)
Discernment
According to CCC 1579, this sacrament is for ‘men of faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate “for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” Called to consecrate themselves with undivided heart to the Lord and to “the affairs of the Lord,” they give themselves entirely to God and to men.’
While Holy Orders are reserved for men, the call to religious vocation is for all faithful Catholics, women are encouraged to discern the call to consecrated life. Men and women discerning the call to a religious vocation are encouraged to seek out Spiritual Direction, and to contact the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton.
Resources
“Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” -Luke 22: 19-21
Men and women discerning the call to a religious vocation are encouraged to seek out Spiritual Direction, and to contact the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton.