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. Our Lord Jesus, from the beginning of His earthly ministry, called twelve men to be His Apostles. These men would be sent into the world to proclaim the good news of salvation for all people. Through the laying on of the hands of a Bishop, and through the invocation of the Holy Spirit, the Lord continues to call men to the Sacrament of Holy Orders so that the saving mission of Christ may continue in the Church.
The priests, who assist the bishops with his mission, are also charged with the task of enabling the faithful to receive the life of Christ daily, primarily through the sacraments and through a life of prayer. Deacons are ordained to assist the priests, to proclaim the gospel, and to assist at mass. But arguably the most important role of the deacon is to be the hands and voice of Christ to the neediest and vulnerable in our midst, especially the sick and the poor.
If you feel, you or someone you know may have a calling to the priesthood, please contact Fr. Slezak at (315) 823-3410 or Fr. Ligato, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Albany by visiting the website: Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.
Click to view the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese's Vocations Spring 2021 Newsletter.