The Sacrament of Holy Orders

From Scripture, we learn that the Apostles appointed others by an external rite (imposition of hands), conferring inward grace. 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.

The mystery of vocation, or calling, is part of God's love. Those who accept this vocation respond to God's love and calling by becoming more visible in the image of God.

While most people think of specialized vocations ralted to ordained ministry, such as priesthood and sisterhood, it is important to remember that everyone is being called by God. Everyone in the Church is called to help nurture vocations of service to the People of God. Indeed everyone in the Church—parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles—are called to respond God's ongoing call and nurturing God's call in others.

For additional information visit The Office of Vocations, Diocese of Toledo, at
http://www.toledovocations.com/index.html