A Sacrament of Vocation and Service
“Here I am,” I said; “sent me!” – Isaiah 6:8
Since the time of the apostles, Christ has personally called men and women to dedicate their lives in service to Christ and his Church as priests, sisters, and brothers. These callings are precious gifts that every Christian should consider and be open to receiving! Priests and religious are consecrated as signs to the world of the joy-filled communion with God for which we are all made.
Are you searching for more information on becoming part of the religious life? If so, there are many opportunities for you to explore as you continue to discern your calling and vocation. We also welcome and encourage you to meet with our pastoral staff at the rectory. Please call the office at (630) 969-1063 to set up an appointment with one of our priests, Fr. James Schwab or Fr. Shaun Cieslik.
You may also call:
Fr. Steven Borello, Director of Vocation Promotion
Diocese of Joliet | 16555 Weber Road | Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 221-6171 | vocations@dioceseofjoliet.org
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the Sacrament through which men receive from God the grace to perform the sacred duties Christ entrusted to His Church. The Twelve Apostles were the first priests and bishops of the Church. Through the ages men have been ordained as bishops and priests by the laying on of hands to continue the mission of Christ and His Church.
Diaconate
In the early Church, the order of Deacon was created to assist the priest in the mission and service to the Christian community. (Acts 6:2-6) Today, ordained deacons help the priest at the celebration of Mass, the baptism of children, the witnessing of marriage, and the celebration of funerals. They are ordained to serve and care for the needs of the Church’s faithful as well as the poor, the sick, and marginalized of the world. The permanent diaconate is often comprised of married men. Through a call from God and affirmed by the local bishop these men assist in parishes.
Religious Life
A woman who enters consecrated life chooses to deepen her baptismal commitment by taking vows which emphasize the values of prayer, loving service, and simple living in community with others. Consecrated women serve the Church and community in many ways, including: youth ministry, homeless and hungry, battered women, education, healthcare, family life and parish pastoral ministry. Some Sisters are totally dedicated to the contemplative life.
Holy Orders – What Ordination Means
Busted Halo’s Fr. Dave Dwyer, CSP explains what Holy Orders are in the Catholic Church, what happens at an Ordination, and what it means to say YES to God. ALL baptized Catholics are priests – so how is that different from the vocation to priesthood?
Diocese of Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks explains the beauty in the choice for taking the vows of a religious order, in his message for the World Day for Consecrated Life. “We are blessed that they chose to accompany the Church and us.”
Prayer for Our Priests
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our priests, especially Father Jim and Father Shaun. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.
Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.
Amen.
(USCCB, adapted)
“Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 2:5
