St. John of the Cross Catholic Church

Holy Orders

Sacraments
Overview

The Sacrament of Holy Orders continues in the Church the apostolic ministry that the Lord gave to the Apostles. This sacrament, also called Ordination, consists of three degrees: diaconal (deacons), presbyteral (priests) and episcopal (bishops). Men who are ordained receive from God the grace to carry on the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles – bishops and priests participating in the priesthood of Christ and deacons in his ministry of service. While it takes years of formation and experience to prepare priests and deacons for Ordination, ultimately it is Christ who works in and through them.

If you or someone you know is interested in discerning a call to the priesthood, the permanent diaconate or other consecrated vocations, please speak with our pastor or contact the parish office.



Discover a sacramental life

Fr. Michael Applegate
Do you know why we put Ashes on your forehead? // ¿Sabes por qué ponemos cenizas en la frente?
We put ashes on the forehead on Ash Wednesday as an outward sign of an inward reality: that we are mortal (“Remember that you a...
Fr. Mike Schmitz
How to Offer Everything to God this Lent
This Lent, you don’t have to wait until you feel ready, strong, or spiritual enough. God is ready to meet you right where you a...
Fr. Michael Applegate
Do you know why we bow our head at the name of Jesus? // ¿Sabes por qué inclinamos la cabeza al pronunciar el nombre de Jesús?
During Mass, the Church invites us to express reverence not only with our hearts but also with our bodies, like with kneeling, ...
Fr. Michael Applegate
Do you know why Father is wearing Green? // ¿Sabes por que Padre viste de Verde?
I would think that most of us know that it is now Ordinary Time, but why does the Church choose the color green for Ordinary Ti...