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.  It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1536).

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The Permanent Diaconate

After the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI formally implemented the renewal of the Permanent Diaconate for men—married or single—who are called to serve the Church as ordained ministers.  Deacons are empowered to serve the People of God, especially in the ministries of the liturgy, the word, and charity.  The Archdiocese of Omaha provides formation for men in preparation for ordination as Deacons.  Ordination is followed with a formal appointment by the Archbishop to diaconal ministry.  Those who may be discerning a call to the diaconate and/or who wish to learn more should visit the website of the Archdiocese of Omaha here.


The Priesthood

The ministerial Priesthood is a means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads His Church.  Through the ordained ministry of Bishops and Priests, the presence of Christ as Head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the community of believers.  Bishops and Priests possess the authority to act in the power and place of the person of Christ Himself for the good of the People of God.  The Archdiocese of Omaha accepts candidates for formation as Priests through the Vocations Office.  Those who may be discerning a call to the Priesthood and/or who wish to learn more should visit the website of the Archdiocese of Omaha here.


The Vocations Crucifix

Vocations are the result of the Christian community actively engaged in prayer so that “the Master of the Harvest [will] send out laborers for His harvest” (Mt 9:38).  Placing faith and hope in this command of the Lord, the intention of the Vocations Crucifix Program is to promote in our parish fervent and devotional prayer so that God’s call may be heard and received in joy.  The family, “the domestic Church,” is the normal place for the human, Christian, and vocational growth of children.

If you would like to learn more or to participate in the Vocations Crucifix Program here at St. Charles, please click here.