The Sacraments
Vocations & Holy Orders
Every person is called. The question is: called to what? If you sense God drawing you deeper, do not be afraid to listen.
The Sacrament
What is Holy Orders?
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are consecrated to serve the Church as deacons, priests, or bishops. It is one of the two “sacraments at the service of communion” — sacraments that exist not primarily for the individual but for the building up of the entire People of God.
In ordination, the Bishop lays his hands on the head of the candidate and prays the consecratory prayer. Through this action — continuous with the laying on of hands by the Apostles — a man is configured to Christ in a new way: as servant, shepherd, and priest. The character of Holy Orders, like that of Baptism and Confirmation, is permanent.
A vocation to Holy Orders is not simply a career choice or a noble ambition. It is a call from God, responded to in freedom, tested by the Church, and lived out in a life of prayer, service, and sacrifice. It is one of the most challenging and most beautiful ways to live a human life.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.”
— John 15:16
The Three Degrees of Holy Orders
Pathways of Vocation
Different Ways of Answering the Call
God calls people in different ways. Here are the main forms of consecrated vocation in the Catholic Church.
Diocesan Priesthood
A diocesan priest is ordained for a particular diocese — serving a specific bishop and the people of that local Church. He lives an apostolic life in parishes, schools, hospitals, and the wider community. Diocesan priests do not take a vow of poverty but commit to celibacy, obedience to their bishop, and a life of prayer.
Typical Path
Enquiry → Discernment → Seminary (6 years) → Ordination
Religious Priesthood
Religious priests belong to an order or congregation — Dominicans, Jesuits, Franciscans, Benedictines, and many others. They live in community, take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and share a particular charism or spiritual tradition. Each order has its own character and apostolate.
Typical Path
Enquiry → Postulancy → Novitiate → Vows → Ordination
Consecrated Life
Men and women who are not ordained may live a consecrated life in religious communities or as consecrated virgins and hermits. Sisters and nuns, brothers, members of secular institutes — all live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience in a variety of forms and apostolates.
Typical Path
Enquiry → Postulancy → Novitiate → Temporary vows → Perpetual vows
Permanent Diaconate
Permanent deacons are ordained as deacons for a permanent ministry alongside the laity. They may be married. They serve in parishes, assist at the liturgy, and engage in works of charity and justice. The permanent diaconate is a rich and growing vocation in the Church today.
Typical Path
Enquiry → Discernment (usually 2 years) → Formation → Ordination
Discernment
How to Discern Your Vocation
Discernment is the process of prayerfully seeking God's will for your life. It is not a single moment but a journey — often stretching over months or years. The Church offers tested tools for discernment: daily prayer, spiritual direction, retreats, and the counsel of trusted priests and religious.
If you sense that God may be calling you, the first step is simple: speak to someone. Father [Name] is glad to accompany anyone who is wondering about a vocation. He will not pressure you, but he will help you ask the right questions and find the right support.
Pray
Bring the question honestly to God in your daily prayer. Ask for clarity and peace.
Speak
Talk to a trusted priest or spiritual director. Don't carry the question alone.
Explore
Visit a seminary or community. Make a vocation retreat. Take a step without committing.
Further Resources
Vocation Support
You are not alone in discernment. The Diocese and the wider Church offer dedicated support.
Diocesan Vocations Director
Every diocese has a dedicated priest to accompany those discerning a vocation. Contact the diocesan vocations office for a confidential conversation.
Contact your DioceseVocation Retreats
Throughout the year, seminaries and religious communities host open days and discernment retreats. These are excellent first steps — no commitment required.
Ask Father [Name] for detailsSpiritual Direction
A good spiritual director is invaluable in discernment. Father [Name] can recommend a qualified director if you do not yet have one.
Request a recommendationPray for Vocations
Every parishioner can support vocations by praying — especially for young people discerning their call. The Church is always in need of good priests, deacons, and religious.
Prayer for VocationsQuestions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if God is calling me to priesthood or religious life?+
There is no single dramatic moment of certainty. A vocation typically reveals itself gradually — through a persistent inner attraction, a sense of rightness, the encouragement of people who know you well, and increasing joy in prayer and service. The Church's test of a vocation is this: is the call persistent, does it bring peace, and is it confirmed by those who know you?
What if I'm not sure? Can I explore without committing?+
Absolutely — and this is exactly what discernment means. Exploring a vocation is not the same as committing to it. Speaking to a vocation director, making a retreat, or joining a discernment group carries no obligation. God will not force a vocation — he invites.
Can women have a vocation?+
Women cannot be ordained priests or deacons in the Catholic Church — this is part of the Church's settled teaching. But women can and do have profound vocations: to consecrated life (religious sisters, nuns, consecrated virgins), to marriage, to the single life lived in dedication to God. Women have always been at the heart of the Church's mission.
What is the permanent diaconate?+
Permanent deacons are ordained ministers who may be married (if ordained before their ordination to the diaconate). They assist at Mass, may preach and baptise, witness marriages, and lead at funerals. The permanent diaconate is a distinct and beautiful vocation, not a stepping-stone to the priesthood.
How long does seminary take?+
Priestly formation typically takes six years in England and Wales, following any prior university study. During this time, seminarians live, study, and pray together in a seminary environment. Formation covers theology, philosophy, spirituality, and pastoral ministry.
Do Not Be Afraid
If God is calling you — to priesthood, religious life, or any other vocation — the grace to respond will be given. Take the first step.