Holy Orders & Vocations
The sacrament that continues Christ’s mission through bishops, priests, and deacons.
What are the Holy Orders?
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Jesus Christ to His apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time.
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Through this sacrament, baptized men are ordained and receive the grace and spiritual authority to serve the People of God in a special way according to the degree of ordination they receive — as a deacon, priest, or bishop.
The sacred rite by which Holy Orders are conferred is called ordination. In this rite the bishop, through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, invokes the Holy Spirit to grant the gifts necessary for the ministry.
Degrees of Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred in three distinct degrees:
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1. Deacon
Deacons are ordained to a ministry of service in the Church. They assist bishops and priests in the celebration of the sacred mysteries, proclaim the Gospel, serve at the altar, support works of charity, and may perform baptisms and witness marriages.
2. Priest (Presbyter)
Priests are ordained to serve the People of God by preaching the Gospel, celebrating the Eucharist, administering most of the sacraments, and providing pastoral care under the authority of the bishop.
3. Bishop (Episcopate)
Bishops receive the fullness of Holy Orders. They are successors of the apostles, and in communion with the Pope, they teach, sanctify, and govern the faithful entrusted to them.
Who can receive Holy Orders?
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Only baptized men can receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders, in accordance with the Church’s long-standing tradition and discipline.
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The discernment process typically includes spiritual formation, education, and pastoral evaluation.
What to Expect
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A period of discernment and formation, often involving seminary or diocesan programs for those discerning a vocation to the priesthood or diaconate.
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Personal meetings with parish clergy and vocational directors.
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Prayer, reflection, and guidance to understand God’s plan for your life.
Vocations — Exploring Your Call
A vocation is a call from God to serve Him and His Church in a particular way. This call may be lived through ordained ministry, religious life, or dedicated service within the Church. Holy Orders is a unique vocation within the life of the Church — a call to serve the People of God in a ministerial capacity as a deacon, priest, or bishop.
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If you feel God may be calling you to explore a vocation to the diaconate, the priesthood, or even religious life, we encourage you to talk with one of our parish priests. Vocational discernment is a journey of prayer, dialogue, and spiritual guidance.​
Religious Life
In addition to the vocation to the diaconate and priesthood, the Church also recognizes the vocation to the religious life for both women and men.
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Religious sisters, brothers, and priests dedicate their lives to Christ through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, serving the Church through prayer, community life, education, healthcare, and works of charity.
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If you feel called to religious life, we encourage you to speak with a priest or spiritual director, who can help guide you in discernment and connect you with religious communities.
The Diocese of Norwich has some resources and people who can help you with your discernment:
Prayer for Vocations​
Heavenly Father,
Through all generations,
You have chosen men to serve You
by sharing in the Holy Priesthood of Christ,
Your Son.
We beg You to call men from our diocese
to serve as priests at the altar,
and to send Your Holy Spirit
upon them to discern that call.
Give them understanding to know Your will
and courage to follow it.
Pour out, too, Your grace
upon men and women from our parishes
to serve You in religious life,
formed after the model of our Blessed Mother.
We ask this through our eternal High Priest and King,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Contact for Vocations
If you are interested in pursuing a religious vocation or learning more about Holy Orders:
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Parish Office: 860-423-8439
Email: catholicwindham@gmail.com
You are also welcome to speak directly with one of our priests for guidance and support.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”— Luke 10:2