In the sacrament of Holy Orders, a man is ordained a priest, deacon or bishop.

A priest promises to live a life of celibacy and of obedience to his local bishop.  He is given the command to teach, minister, and govern: to teach the people of God and bring them closer to God, to minister the sacraments, and to govern the people, typically through parish ministry.  

A deacon may be “permanent” or “transitional”.  A permanent deacon is a man who may or may not be married and who has committed his life in service to the church.  A transitional deacon is one who intends to become a priest.  This is typically the stage one year prior ordination to the priesthood. A deacon, whether permanent or transitional, may baptize and may officiate at weddings.

A bishop is a priest ordained to the special ministry of Shepherd of the people.  A bishop typically oversees a Diocese. 

To learn more about becoming a priest, contact the Director of Vocations in Maine, Father Brad Morin, or click on the image below:

Loving Father, you sent your Son
so that all might come to know the truth
and be saved.

With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit,
you continue his work through the Church.

Your Son reminded his disciples
that the harvest was indeed plentiful
but the laborers few.

Following his instructions,
we beg you to call many to ordained ministry
and religious life.

Grant them the grace to hear you
and to respond wholeheartedly.

May Mary Immaculate, the mother
of your Son and the patroness of our
diocese, intercede for us.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.