Holy Orders

Mark 3:13-19

He went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.

He appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles] that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: [he appointed the twelve:] Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission that was entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues until the end of time.  There are three degrees to Holy Orders; Episcopate (Bishop), Presbyterate (Priest), and Diaconate (Deacon).

Bishops (Episcopoi) are the shepherds of the larger Christian Community (Diocese).

Priest (Presbuteros) are responsible for teaching, governing, and performing the sacraments of a given congregation.

Deacons (Diakonoi) are assistants to Bishops and are tasked with teaching, various church functions, preaching, caring for the sick, etc.

Anyone interested in learning more about (or pursing) the vocation of Priesthood or Religious Life please contact Fr. Luke Lafleur, Director of Vocations at Frlafleur@diocesealex.org or by calling (318) 445-2401.

Anyone interested in learning more about (or pursing) the vocation of a Deacon, please contact Deacon Richard Mitchell at Dcnrmitchell@diocesealex.org or by calling (318) 445-2401 ext. 207.

For more information on the Sacrament of Holy orders, you can click on the links below or contact the Office of Religious Education and Faith Formation at the St Joseph Center at (318) 445-6424, ext. 207.

https://www.diocesealex.org/our-faith/office-of-vocations/

https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/holy-orders