Holy Orders

Priests are united with the bishops in sacerdotal dignity and at the same time depend on  them in the exercise of their pastoral functions; they are called to be the bishops’ prudent co-workers. They form around their bishop the presbyterium which bears responsibility with him for the particular Church. They receive from the bishop the charge of a parish community or a determinate ecclesial office.

Deacons are ministers ordained for tasks of service of the Church; they do not receive the ministerial priesthood, but ordination confers on them important functions in the ministry of the word, divine worship, pastoral governance, and the service of charity, tasks which they must carry out under the pastoral authority of their bishop.

Catechism of the Catholic Church N0. 1595 & N0. 1596

Three levels of Holy Orders exist in the life of the Catholic Church: “Diaconal” for Deacons, “Presbyteral” for Priests and “Episcopal” for Bishops.

For additional information concerning a God’s calling a man to the vocation of the  Priesthood or the Permanent Diaconate, please contact our priests and deacons at Holy  Family. One of the best ways to respond to a call to Holy Orders is to engage in a  conversation with a current priest or deacon.

As well, please check out “Cleveland Catholic Priesthood” and Vocation Director Fr. Michael McCandless via www.clepriesthood.org