The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Hear us, Lord our God, and pour out upon this servant of your's, the blessing of the Holy Spirit and the grace and power of the priesthood. In your sight we offer this man for ordination. Support him with your unfailing love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
- from the Rite of Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. It includes the ministry of bishop, priest, and deacon.
If you feel God may be calling you to ordained ministry in the Church, please speak to one of our priests. He will be happy to help you in your discernment.
Discerning God's Call - Some Things to Consider
1.) Get the data... what are the facts... know yourself... What are you choosing?
2.) Is your choice realistic?
3.) Would it help you to grow as a person?
4.) Identify the obstacles preventing you from making a decision.
5.) Consider all alternatives open to you.
6.) Evaluate your possible choices by writing the pros and cons of that choice.
7.) Seek advice from a friend and from objective sources.
8.) After your decision, are you willing to publicly affirm your choice if the need demands?
9.) Have you made a free choice? Do you admit to certain pressures in your choice? Can you name where and why the pressure is there? Are you pressured psychologically, physically, socially, or financially?
10.) Give yourself a time frame in which to decide. It should be long enough to allow for change, but not indefinite.
11.) After you have made a decision (or think you have one), do you act on that decision? Is your decision reflected in the way you live?
12.) Are you acting consistently with this decision?
13.) Are you willing to let this decision cost you something?
14.) Think down the road of that choice. What does this decision mean in terms of forever? Can you say "forever" and feel at peace?
15.) Most importantly, let God in on your decision-making. Bring it to him in prayer.
Readings for today, at the USCCB web site.
