Holy Orders
What is 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
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacred rite through which men are ordained to serve the Church as deacons, priests, or bishops. Through this sacrament, the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles continues to be carried out in every generation.
Those who receive Holy Orders are configured to Christ in a unique way and are called to a life of service—preaching the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and shepherding God’s people with love and humility.
If you feel called to the priesthood, the diaconate, or consecrated religious life, we invite you to pray deeply and discern God’s will. Our parish community is here to support and accompany you on this journey of discovery and faith.
For guidance or to learn more about vocations, please contact one of our priests or the Office of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Atlanta (calledbychrist.com).
Prayer for Vocational Discernment
Lord Jesus,
You call each of us by name and invite us to follow You.
Open my heart to hear Your voice and give me the courage to respond generously.
Grant me the grace to discern the vocation You have prepared for me—
whether it be priesthood, religious life, marriage, or single life in service to You.
If You are calling me to serve You as a priest or in consecrated life,
give me a willing heart,
a spirit of trust,
and the strength to say “yes” with love and joy.
Guide my steps,
fill me with Your peace,
and help me to live each day seeking Your will above all things.
Mary, Mother of the Church,
and St. Joseph, Protector of Vocations,
pray for me.
Amen.
Elijah Cup Vocations Ministry
The Elijah Cup Ministry is a special way for our parish family to pray for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life. Every othe week, a family, individual, or ministry takes home the Elijah Cup—a consecrated chalice—as a reminder to pray daily for more men and women to answer God’s call to serve the Church.
By joining this ministry, you help nurture a culture of prayer and support for vocations within our parish community.
Click here to sign up to pray for vocations.