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Sacrament of Holy Orders
Holy Orders is one of two sacraments ordered to the service of the universal Church. Through it, the worship of God and the deposit of faith are safeguarded and transmitted down through history. The fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders is found in the episcopate, the office of bishop. The bishop participates in the authority and ministry of the first Apostles, and it is through them that the apostolic ministry continues. The sacerdotal ministries of the liturgy continues through the presbyterate, the priesthood, by a limited participation in the apostolic ministry of the bishop. The priest functions in and through the local bishop. Finally, we have the ministry of service, which is the diaconate. Permanent deacons are the only clergy who may be married in the Roman Catholic Church.
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Reading from Pope Benedict XVI’s 2006 World Day of Prayer for Vocations MessageRemembering the counsel of Jesus: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:37), we readily recognize the need to pray for vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life. It is not surprising that, where people pray fervently, vocations flourish. The holiness of the Church depends essentially on union with Christ and on being open to the mystery of grace that operates in the hearts of believers. Therefore, I invite all the faithful to nurture an intimate relationship with Christ, Teacher and Pastor of His people, by imitating Mary who kept the divine mysteries in her heart and pondered them constantly. (cf. Lk 2:19).Discover the Road Less TraveledDiscover the Road Less Traveled is a monthly gathering for young adult men ages 18 and up who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood and/or religious life. The program focuses on a different topic each month, and is usually held at St. Mary's Seminary on the second Thursday of every month.Join Priests, sisters, brothers seminarians and other young adults for an evening of great food, rich prayer, inspirational music, and compelling words as you grow in your courageous conviction to serve Christ and the Church. For more information go to www.archgh.orgTexas Catholic Herald
The Herald lists the dates and times of discernment gatherings for the archdiocese religious orders throughout the year.Serra Club of HoustonThe Serra Club of Houston was incorporated in November, 1941, as a non-profit volunteer organization, and received its charter on April 28, 1942. It is the oldest and largest club in District 10, with about 100 members at present. They are part of Serra International and the USA Council in Chicago, which they support financially. Their local programs support the work of the Office of Vocations of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, St. Mary’s Seminary, and Shalom Center, Inc. They are affiliated with the Holy Name Retreat Center, and Holy Rosary Church in downtown Houston.MissionAs members of the lay vocation arm of the Church, their primary mission is to foster and affirm vocations to the ministerial priesthood and vowed religious life. Its secondary mission is, by working and praying together, to encourage personal spiritual growth. It is an opportunity for lay Catholics to further their faith, and an invitation to those who may be considering the religious life to counsel with them and participate in our programs in fellowship. -
Process of Vocation Discernment
Whenever a young man feels called to the priesthood, or a young woman to consecrated religious life, it is appropriate for them to contact their pastor. His guidance will be extremely beneficial to them. Married adult men (age 35 or older) should likewise contact the pastor for information on becoming ordained to the permanent diaconate. The process of discernment begins with the individual hearing and responding to what God is doing in his/her life.
Speaking with the pastor is the first step of truly discerning God's call. Developing an authentic prayer life, building relationships with others who have accepted the call into the priesthood or religious life, and growing in virtue are all steps to discovering what plans God has for your future. Get in touch not only with your pastor, but with the Archdiocesan Office of Vocations - www.houstonvocations.com - and/or the religious orders that you find appealing. -
Prayer for Vocation
O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God.
Give them courage and strength to follow God’s holy will.
Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards where they will labor in God’s holy service.
– Amen.