HOLY ORDERS
Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: “You are my son; this day I have begotten you”
Hebrews 5:1-
The Sacrament of Holy Orders calls men to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Our priests serve the Church by preaching the Word of God, administering the Sacraments, building up the parish community, and giving themselves wholeheartedly to the bride of Christ, the Church. Likewise our deacons, serve the local Church through their various ministries of the Word, Sacrament, and Charity. Through careful discernment and preparation, these men respond to the call of the Lord and follow him.
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 (bishops), presbyterate (priests), and diaconate (deacons)... No one has a right to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Indeed no one claims this office for himself; he is called to it by God"
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1536, 1578
Called to be a Priest or Deacon?
If God may be calling you to the priesthood or diaconate, please contact the parish office to schedule an appointment with our pastor.
Please also check out the link to the Diocese of Sacramento’s vocations office.
Praying for Vocations
The Vocations Committee of St. Catherine’s prays constantly for the seminarians of our parish and the Diocese of Sacramento, as well as for those discerning the priesthood or religious life.