Gentlemen, have you ever felt the call from God, deep within your heart, to give yourself to Him? Have you ever felt the desire to celebrate Mass, or felt the desire to follow Christ and preach the Gospel to the world? If so, you may be called to be a Catholic Priest.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to speak with one of our priests after Mass, or call the office to set up an appointment with any of them. We would be more than happy to talk to you.
Since it takes a LOT of discernment to figure out if God is calling you, our Diocese provides many retreats and get-togethers for prospective seminarians to help you figure it all out. For more information visit the Diocesan website for vocations: VOCATIONS
From the beginning of the Church, as we see in the Acts of the Apostles, Deacons have been part of those called to serve the community. Today we maintain this gift as part of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
A Deacon may give blessings, proclaim the Gospel at Mass, preach in Mass, help at the altar in Mass, receive wedding vows, and perform baptisms and burials. More importantly, the role of the Deacon is to promote and execute the vision of the Church as it pertains to social justice. This means the care of the sick, elderly, widowed, incarcerated, and of those in any way marginalized.
Deacons may be either transitional or permanent. Both are the same, yet the end goal is different. Permanent Deacons are men not moving toward the presbyterate, while transitional Deacons are in the process of studying for ordination as a Presbyter (priest).
You may be single or married as a Deacon. If you are married, your family responsibilites must be minimal, so that usually means your children are grown, and your wife is willing to support you in your studies and formation. If you are single, you cannot marry after ordination.
Gentlemen, if you feel called to the permanent Diaconate
visit: DIACONATE
On the Diocesan Priesthood: http://diocesanpriest.com
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/