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. The word order in Roman antiquity designated an established civil body, especially a governing body. Ordinatio means incorporation into an ordo. In the Church, there are established bodies which Tradition, not without a basis in Sacred Scripture, has since ancient times called taxeis (Greek) or ordines. And so the liturgy speaks of the ordo episcoporum, the ordo presbyterorum, the ordo diaconorum.


Other groups also receive this name of ordo: catechumens, virgins, spouses, widows. Integration into one of these bodies in the Church was accomplished by a rite called ordinatio, a religious and liturgical act which was a consecration, a blessing, or a sacrament. Today the word 'ordination' is reserved for the sacramental act which integrates a man into the order of bishops, presbyters, or deacons, and goes beyond a simple election, designation, delegation, or institution by the community, for it confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a 'sacred power' (sacra potestas) which can come only from Christ himself through his Church. Ordination is also called consecration, for it is a setting apart and an investiture by Christ himself for his Church. The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible sign of this ordination" (CCC 1536-1538).

Learn More...


If you would like to learn more about the Priesthood, Diaconate, or Consecrated Life, or if you know someone who would like to learn more, please contact Father Brian or reach out to the Vocations Office.


Diocese of Austin Vocation Office:
Pastoral Center
6225 Hwy 290 East
Austin, TX 78723

(512) 949-2430



NOTE - ALL PAST DATED EVENTS



Women's Discernment Events:


Hosted by Austin Vocation


The Father's Heart: A Silent Retreat for Young Adults

Mar 13, 2021 – Mar 17, 2021

Heart of Mary

Apr 16, 2021 – Apr 18, 2021

World Day of Prayer for Vocations Holy Hour
Apr 25, 2021

Men's Discernment Events:


Hosted by Austin Vocation

Heart of Jesus

Dec 16, 2020 – Dec 18, 2020

Austin-Area High School Men’s Discernment Dinner

Jan 6, 2021


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