Holy Orders

The Sacrament of 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.  (CCC 1536)

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matt 9:36)

 

God is currently calling many men of various ages within our diocese to serve his Holy Church as a priest.  If someone recognizes this interior call, families, parents, and friends should be of great support and encouragement for this divine call.   Any man interested in considering the priesthood should contact Fr. Matthew Mason at 603-663-0132, or write: [email protected].

Diocesan (or “secular”) priests serve the needs of the Church in their diocese.  The Diocese of Manchester serves the entire state of New Hampshire.  Religious priests belong to a community, and serve the special ministries of their congregation.  In N.H. we have the following communities:  Benedictines, Capuchins, Franciscans, Jesuits, Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, etc.