Holy Orders are not simply orders where somebody tells you what to do. It is when God calls men to be His holy priests and deacons to serve the people as a living sacrifice. Because it is a living sacrifice, it is a daily surrendering to God’s will so that God may shepherd His people. Why would He call mere men to do this? John recalls in his Gospel account, “(Jesus) said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.’” (Jn 20 21-23)
Jesus understands that we need to hear words and see his work done to help us have faith in His mercy and love. It is through His priest that God gives us His grace. It is His work, not the work of the priest. The words of the sacraments we receive from the priest come from Jesus himself. Jesus is not limited by the sins of a priest. The mercy of God cannot be thwarted by sin; Jesus conquers sin! It is Jesus who baptizes, confirms, consecrates the bread and wine, marries, anoints and ordains.
Jesus chose Twelve Apostles as his first priests and bishops. The Apostles quickly realized they needed help, and ordained more men by laying hands on them (Acts 6:6 & 13:3). The Holy Spirit came upon them so they could do this holy task. This is how it went through the centuries. Only a bishop consecrated by the Pope can ordain a priest. This ensures the promise given to the Church that Jesus will always be guiding the Church in the gift of the Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit given to those men in Acts. This is known as Apostolic Succession. Apostolic Succession ensures the correct interpretations of Scripture and right moral teaching through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For more scriptural references, look through First and Second Timothy, Titus and the book of Hebrews.
The priest has many responsibilities. A priest can baptize, celebrate Mass, anoint, witness a marriage, absolve sins in confession, and confirm with the permission of the bishop. Outside of the sacraments the priest preaches, teaches, prays funerals and wakes, gives spiritual advice, visits those in need, blesses people, places and things, leads in prayer, and can do many more things.
In order to become a priest, a person must be a single male, confirmed in the Catholic Church and a practicing Catholic. The practice of the Catholic Church is that the person is not married. See Mt 19:12 for a scriptural reference. If you are discerning if Jesus is calling you to be His priest, you can contact the Diocese of Rockford at 1-815-399-4300 or click here for the website. Becoming a priest is not about our will, but God’s will. Assuming no previous college classes, it is expected to take four years for a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, and then four years for a Masters in Theology.
Deacons can baptize, witness a marriage and assists the priest at Mass. Deacons are considered an “Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion.” Deacons are expected to distribute Holy Communion at the masses they attend. They also help in many things in the parish, from running ministries and even preaching. Deacons cannot absolve sins or pray Mass. Deacons are male, confirmed Catholic and practicing the faith. Deacons can be married, but once ordained, they can not remarry. For scriptural reference, look up 1 Timothy 3:8-13. If you think you may be called to this ministry, contact your parish priest. To see more click here.
Religious life is a way to grow closer to Jesus in works or contemplation. In order to become a religious, you need to be a confirmed Catholic, practicing the faith and not married. Religious make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. These are a giving up of good things for the kingdom of God. There are many communities of religious life that do many different things and have different charisms. Dominicans are a teaching order; they teach. Franciscans serve the poor. The Poor Clares and Benedictine orders are more contemplative, meaning they pray more. There are hundreds of them in the US. If you are thinking of becoming a religious, check out the diocesan web site on some of the religious orders that are around.