Holy Orders

In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.

Our parish has a long and proud history of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Several sons of our parish currently serve as priests. We are especially proud that two young men of our parish were ordained for the sacred priesthood this year.

Several women of our parish serve as religious sisters, too.

St. Philip and St. James Parish hosts a Serra Club - a group of Catholic lay persons who meet regularly to pray for and support vocations to the holy priesthood and religious life.  Those who wish to learn more about the Serra Club and it's good work should speak to our pastor, who serves as it's chaplain, or to the parish office, who can put you in touch with the club.

We encourage all of our parishioners to pray that many young men from our parish will answer God's call to the priesthood, and that many young women will embrace His call to be sisters.  Perhaps you can offer a little prayer for this intention each day.

Young men or women who think they may be called to the priesthood or religious life should speak with one of our parish priests.  We will be happy to do whatever we can to help you learn if this is indeed God's will for you.  If it is, we will be happy to support you at each step along the way.  

Our parish is also blessed with the ministry of some very fine deacons.  Indeed, St. Philip and St. James was blessed to have men entering the Permanent Diaconate from the time it was re-instituted by the Second Vatican Council.  

Men who feel that God may be calling them to be a deacon should speak to one of our deacons.  They are all fine men of faith who will happily help you in this process.  Our parish priests will be happy to help you, too.