To act and to stand in the person of Christ (in persona Christi) – is both awesome and daunting! Several years of discernment and formation are required to truly answer this call and live the life of a priest. And yet, God equips those he calls…once a priest, a priest forever! Another indelible mark is sealed upon a man's soul, his hands are consecrated, his mission passed on by the laying on of hands…no ordinary man is he now, as he too, offers himself for the service of his flock, a father to his spiritual children, a guide and companion to all of us on the journey. Another ordained position is that of a deacon, a ministry of service for the good of the Church, assisting the priest at the altar, and in the sacraments of matrimony and baptism.
The sacrament of holy orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which he bestowed upon his Apostles; thus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the sacrament of holy orders as "the sacrament of apostolic ministry."
"Ordination" comes from the Latin word "ordinatio," which means to incorporate someone into an order. In the sacrament of holy orders (mainly major orders), a man is incorporated into the priesthood of Christ, at one of three levels: the episcopate, the priesthood, or the diaconate.
Are you called to be “A herald's voice in the desert" preparing the way of the Lord in the hearts of his people? If you would to chat about how God is working in your life, feel free to contact Fr. Don Kline at (480) 905-0221, or e-mail at frkline@saintbernadette.com.