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 bishops, as successors of the apostles, are responsible for governing, teaching, and sanctifying the Church in the person of Christ.

Priests are ordained to assist them in this three-fold ministry and to celebrate the sacraments.

Deacons are ordained to assist the bishop in the ministry of the Word, in service at the altar, and in works of charity.

If you feel a call to ordained ministry in the Church, please contact Fr. McCullough for more information or Fr. Dan Schmitmeyer, Director of Vocations at dschmitmeyer@catholicaoc.org.  or click here to check out the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Vocation Office website.