Holy Orders

Priesthood

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles; thus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the Sacrament of Holy Orders as "the Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry."

In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a man is incorporated into the priesthood of Christ at one of three levels: the episcopate, the priesthood, or the diaconate.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders can be validly conferred only on baptized men, following the example set by Christ and His Apostles, who chose only men as their successors and collaborators. A man cannot demand ordination; the Church has the authority to determine eligibility for the Sacrament.

Contact the Diocesan Vocation Office at 815-221-6171 or by email at vocations@dioceseofjoliet.org

Permanent Deacons

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

"Deacons share in Christ's mission and grace in a special way. The sacrament of Holy Orders marks them with an imprint ("character") which cannot be removed and which configures them to Christ, who made himself the "deacon" or servant of all. Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity...This permanent diaconate, which can be conferred on married men, constitutes an important enrichment for the Church's mission."  

For more information:

Diocese of Joliet Diaconate Office

Contact Deacon Ron Madsen at 630-606-0476, rmadsenjr@gmail.com