Holy Orders
Through Holy Orders, men are called to serve the Church as deacons, priests, and bishops. Their ministry helps proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and guide the faithful in their call to discipleship.
Holy Orders in the Catholic Church
What is Holy Orders?
Holy Orders is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Through this sacrament, men are ordained by the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration to continue Christ’s mission of teaching, sanctifying, and shepherding God’s people.
Holy Orders has three distinct degrees:
Priest
Priests are ordained to serve God’s people by proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the Eucharist and the other sacraments, offering spiritual guidance, and leading parish communities. Through their ministry, they act in persona Christi (“in the person of Christ”), especially when celebrating the Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Deacon
Deacons are ordained for a ministry of service. They proclaim the Gospel, preach, baptize, witness marriages, preside at funerals and other liturgical services, and dedicate themselves to works of charity and service. Some deacons are ordained as a step toward the priesthood (transitional deacons), while others are called to lifelong service as permanent deacons, often while living a married family life.
Discerning a Vocation
A vocation is God’s invitation to a particular way of life. Whether God is calling someone to the priesthood, the permanent diaconate, religious life, marriage, or the single life, discernment is a journey of prayer, listening, and openness to the Holy Spirit.
If you have ever wondered whether God may be calling you to serve the Church, know that you do not need to discern alone. The Diocese of Grand Rapids offers guidance, resources, retreats, and personal accompaniment for those exploring a vocation.
Priesthood
Men who are discerning a call to the diocesan priesthood are encouraged to speak with their parish priest, Father Mike, here at St. Michael and contact the Diocese of Grand Rapids Office of Priestly Vocations. Through prayer, discernment events, and personal mentoring, the Vocations Office helps men discover whether God is calling them to serve as priests.
Permanent Diaconate
The Permanent Diaconate is a unique vocation of service to the Church. Married and single men who feel called to serve as ordained deacons are invited to learn more about the formation process through the Diocese of Grand Rapids Office of the Permanent Diaconate. Jerry R
Religious Life
God continues to call both women and men to serve Him through religious life as sisters, brothers, monks, and religious priests. Religious communities dedicate their lives to prayer, community life, and apostolic ministry while living the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. If you are discerning religious life, the Diocese can help connect you with communities that match your interests and spiritual gifts.
Begin Your Discernment
If you are feeling called to explore a vocation, the first step is simple: pray and ask God where He is leading you. Then speak with your parish priest or contact the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
For more information about a Priestly Vocation, discernment opportunities, and contact information, visit the Diocese of Grand Rapids Vocations Office:
Priesthood Vocations: https://grpriesthood.com
If you are discerning a call to the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, your first step is to speak with your parish pastor. With your pastor’s support, you can then contact the diocesan Office of Diaconate Formation.
Office of Diaconate Formation
Director: Deacon Jerry Roersma
Phone: (616) 288-0910
Email: jroersma@grdiocese.org
Wherever God may be calling you, trust that He will provide the grace you need to respond with courage and joy.