Holy Orders

"Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1536)

Certain members of the Church are called to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders, by which they become ministerial priests called to serve the Body of Christ, the Church. Men who are called to the priesthood of Jesus Christ share in His life in an intimate way. The priest is called to preach the Gospel and lead the faithful into maturity in the Christian life. He does this through a worthy manner of life, celebrating the sacraments and living in a bond of charity with his brother priests to build up the Body of Christ. 

Discerning Priesthood in the Archdiocese of Boston

If you are a man who has discerned a call to the priesthood, or would like to speak more with someone about the priestly vocation, please see our Archdiocesan Vocations Office website or call 617-746-5949.