"Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate." (CCC 1536)

What is Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which Christ continues His ministry in the Church. In this sacrament bishops, priests, and deacons are ordained and given a particular mission to serve God's people. (CCC 1535)

Discerning a Vocation to the Priesthood or Diaconte

God calls each person to a particular vocation and invites us to discover how He desires us to serve. If you are discerning a possible vocation to the Priesthood or Diaconate, take time for prayer and conversation.

Please contact the parish office to learn about resources that can support your discernment.

Discerning a Vocation to Religious Life

A vocation to religious life is a way of responding to Christ’s invitation to give one’s life in service to God and the Church. Religious sisters and brothers serve in many ways, including prayer, community life, ministry, education, works of mercy, and evangelization.

If you are discerning religious life, begin with prayer and conversation. Contact the parish office to learn about possible next steps.

Pray for Vocations

Every vocation is a gift from God and a call to serve the Church. Please join us in praying for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life, and for the grace to respond generously to God’s call.

At St. John Nepomuk, we have a tradition of praying for vocations at the end of each Mass. We kneel and pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be.