Holy Orders

“In the ecclesial service of the ordained minister, it is Christ himself who is present to his Church as Head of the Body, Shepherd of his flock, high priest of the redemptive sacrifice, Teacher of Truth. This is what the Church means by saying that the priest, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, acts in persona Christi capitis (in the person of Christ the head)” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1548).

Jesus is our high priest. And while all of the baptized share in the priesthood of Christ through their Baptism, those whom God has chosen share in the ministerial priesthood through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

Through the rite of Ordination, a man can be ordained a deacon, priest or bishop. The ordination as Bishop is the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. As Bishops, they become the successors of the Apostles, and serve as head pastor of the local church entrusted to their care. Priests are called upon to be co-workers with their Bishops to carry on the work of the kingdom of God. They care is assigned to a particular parish in the local church. The title Deacon is taken from a term that means “servant.” A deacon has a special attachment to his Bishop.

Boyne Valley Catholic Community works with the Diocesan vocations office to promote vocations to the priesthood and deaconate. If you would like more information regarding the Sacrament of Holy Orders, please call the parish offices, or contact the vocations director at the Diocese of Gaylord (www.dioceseofgaylord.org).