The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His Apostles continues in the Church until the end of time. Through this sacrament, men are ordained to serve the People of God as bishops, priests, or deacons, dedicating their lives to proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and shepherding the faithful.
At St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, we are grateful for the ministry of our clergy and deacons who serve our parish family with generosity and love. We encourage all parishioners to pray for them and to support vocations to the priesthood and diaconate.
The Three Degrees of Holy Orders
Bishop
Bishops are the successors of the Apostles. They are entrusted with teaching, governing, and sanctifying the Church. A bishop oversees a diocese and ordains new bishops, priests, and deacons.
Priest
Priests share in the ministry of the bishop by celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, administering most of the sacraments, preaching the Gospel, and providing pastoral care to God’s people.
Deacon
Deacons are ordained for ministry of service. They proclaim the Gospel, preach, baptize, witness marriages, preside at funeral services, and serve those in need through works of charity.
Discerning a Vocation
Every Christian is called to holiness, and some are called in a special way to serve the Church through Holy orders. Discerning a vocation begins with prayer, participation in the Sacraments, and a willingness to listen to God’s voice.
If you are considering a vocation to the priesthood or permanent diaconate, or would like more information, we encourage you to speak with our priest. We would be happy to accompany you as you discern God’s plan for your life.
To learn more about Holy orders, visit the Archdiocese of Hartford’s website: https://www.hartfordpriest.com/.
The Universal Call to Serve
While the Sacrament of Holy Orders is reserved to men in the Catholic Church, God calls every person-women and men alike-to a life of holiness and service. Women have always played an essential role in the life and mission of the Church as mothers, religious sisters, consecrated virgins, lay ministers, catechists, educators, missionaries, and faithful disciples.
Many women discern a vocation to the consecrated religious life, dedicating themselves to prayer, community, and service through religious orders. Others live out their calling through marriage, single life, professional careers, volunteer ministry, and countless acts of charity and faith. Their gifts enrich the Church and help bring Christ’s love to the world.
Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose faithful “yes” to God changed the course of salvation history, every Christian is invited to respond generously to God’s unique call. We encourage all members of our parish to prayerfully discern how the Lord is inviting them to serve His Church and His people.
To learn more about discerning the call to consecrated religious life, visit Archdiocese of Hartford’s website: Religious Orders – Archdiocese of Hartford
Contact Us
Contact the Parish Office at office@stmkp.org or call 860 283 5817.