Holy Orders in the Catholic Church includes three orders: bishop, priest, and deacon. The Church regards ordination as a Sacrament. In the phrase "Holy Orders", the word "holy" simply means "set apart for some purpose." The word "order" (Latin: ordo) designates an established civil body or corporation with a hierarchy, and ordination means legal incorporation into an ordo. In context, therefore, a Holy Order is simply a group with a hierarchical structure that is set apart for ministry in the Church.
For Catholics, the church views the last year in the seminary, it is typically in the last year of seminary training that a man will be ordained to the "transitional diaconate." This distinguishes men bound for priesthood from those who have entered the "permanent diaconate" and do not intend to seek ordination as a priest. Deacons, whether transitional or permanent, receive faculties to preach, to perform baptisms, and to witness marriages. They may assist at the Eucharist or the Mass, but are not the ministers of the Eucharist. After six months or more as a transitional deacon, a man will be ordained to the priesthood. Priests are able to preach, perform baptisms, witness marriages, hear confessions and give absolutions, anoint the sick, and celebrate the Eucharist or the Mass. Some priests are later chosen to be bishops; bishops may ordain priests, deacons, and bishops.
For more information concerning Holy Orders you may contact one of our parish priests or the Office of Vocations of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
For more information concerning the Permanent Diaconate, you may contact one of our parish priests or deacons or the Office of the Permanent Diaconate of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Learn to pray in a deeper way Encouraged to attend all three retreats as they build on one another, but not required! Lunch and opportunities for spiritual direction are included. $30 registration fee per retreat. These retreats are for unmarried young adults ages 18-35.
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Learn St. Ignatius’ Rules of Discernment Encouraged to attend all three retreats as they build on one another, but not required! Lunch and opportunities for spiritual direction are included. $30 registration fee per retreat. These retreats are for unmarried young adults ages 18-35.
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A training for the spiritual life in a series of four sessions for young adults who are serious about the mission God is calling them to.
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Andrew Dinner is an evening of prayer, group sharing, and dinner with Fr. Richard McNeillie, Vocations Director and Diocesan parish priests. Ages 14 – 18; Optional – parents may attend. Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – St. Theresa, Sugar Land Friday, September 29, 2023 – St. Vincent de Paul Friday, October 13, 2023 – St. Anthony […]
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