The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Through the laying on of hands and the prayer of the bishop, the Holy Spirit consecrates men for a life of service in the Church
The Sacrament of Holy Orders, also known as Ordination, is the sacrament through which the Church calls and consecrates men to serve the People of God through ordained ministry. Through the laying on of hands and the prayer of the bishop, the Holy Spirit is invoked to strengthen the candidate for a life of service in the Church.
Holy Orders includes three forms of ordained ministry:
The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ.
St John Vianney
Patron Saint of Parish Priests (1786–1859)
Bishop
Shepherd of the local Church, responsible for teaching, governing, and sanctifying the faithful
Priest
Co-worker of the bishop, celebrating the sacraments and serving the people in a parish community
Deacon
Ordained minister of service, assisting in liturgy, preaching, and works of charity
Each of these ministries serves the mission of the Church in different ways, but all share the same call to serve Christ and his people.
The Call to Priesthood
Priesthood in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is a vocation of service and dedication to the people of God. Priests accompany people throughout the most important moments of their lives — celebrating the sacraments, supporting families, guiding young people in faith, and bringing comfort and hope in times of illness, grief and difficulty.
At the heart of a priest's life is the celebration of the Eucharist, which nourishes the faith of the Christian community. Through preaching, pastoral care and the celebration of the sacraments, priests help build up the life of the Church.
The Permanent Diaconate
The permanent diaconate is another form of ordained ministry within the Church. Unlike priests, permanent deacons may be married men who feel called to serve the Church while continuing their family and professional life.
Deacons assist in the life of the Church by:
Ministry of the Deacon
- Proclaiming the Gospel and preaching
- Baptising
- Witnessing marriages
- Presiding at funerals
- Bringing Holy Communion to the sick
However, deacons do not celebrate Mass or hear Confessions. Deacons are usually appointed to serve in a parish close to where they live and may also be entrusted with specialised ministries according to their gifts and experience.
Vocations in the Diocese
The life of the Church depends on men who respond generously to God's call to serve through ordained ministry. Anyone who feels drawn to explore a vocation to the priesthood or the permanent diaconate is encouraged to speak with a priest or contact the diocesan vocations director.
Further information about vocations in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin can also be found on the diocesan website.
Diocesan Vocations Director
Fr Ruairí Ó Domhnaill
Parochial House, Chapel Lane
Newbridge, Co. Kildare