Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is received in three steps, each one sacramental. Each one configures the person to Christ in a special way and puts the person in a special relationship with the Church.

1. The first step is ordination to the Diaconate. A deacon serves the diocese in ways designated by the bishop. A deacon may be a married or single man.
2. The second step is the Presbyterate. A priest serves a diocese or the larger church according to his state of life.
3. The third step is ordination to the Episcopacy. A Bishop is appointed as a successor to the apostles and serves the church as spiritual leader and father (the Pope).

For information on priesthood or the diaconate, please call the Parish Rectory at 314 965-0709 or the Archdiocesan Office of Vocations at 314 792-6460.