What is the Priesthood?

“The faithful expect only one thing from priests: that they be specialists in promoting the encounter between man and God. The priest is not asked to be an expert in economics, construction or politics. He is expected to be an expert in the spiritual life.”  – Pope Benedict XVI

What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?

The Sacrament of Holy Orders anoints and enables a person in their vocation as Priest, Deacon, or Religious Sister. The gift of these vocations fuel our Church and give great examples of literally giving one’s life to Jesus. These bold men and women stand for us and with us, convicted in their beliefs, carrying the light of the world wherever they are called. 

We are Blessed at St. Brigid's

At Saint Brigid's Parish, we are blessed to have one priest and two deacons who tirelessly celebrate the sacraments, serve the parish, and lead us on our parish mission to encounter, love and serve Jesus, one another, and the world. We've also had many parishioners over the years follow their call to religious life.

Beyond the Priesthood

In the Catholic Church, beyond the priesthood, there are other significant vocations, which are essentially ways of life that individuals are called to by God to serve Him and the Church. 

These vocations include:

• Religious Life: This calling involves men and women dedicating themselves to God through public vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, according to the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious. They often live in communities and engage in various forms of ministry and service. Examples include sisters, brothers, monks, and nuns.
• Diaconate: This vocation involves men ordained to serve the Church in ministries of Word, Sacrament, and Charity. Deacons can be married or single and typically assist priests and bishops in their duties, such as proclaiming the Gospel, baptizing, witnessing marriages, and performing works of charity.
• Married Life: This is the most common vocation, involving a faithful commitment between a man and a woman through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Married couples are called to grow in love for each other, raise children in a faith-filled environment, and live out their Christian identity within their families and communities.
• Consecrated Single Life: This is a vocation for individuals called to remain single and dedicate their lives to God through prayer and service, without joining a religious community or being ordained. This life is lived with the intention of growing in holiness and serving others through their work and various ministries. Examples include members of secular institutes, consecrated virgins, and diocesan hermits. 

If living a life of service for Christ and the people of God is attractive to you, contact us to learn more about the priesthood and how to discern God's call. Reach out to Fr. Valentine or visit the Diocesan vocations webpage.