Holy Orders

Jesus Christ calls some men to serve him and his people as priests. In the Old Testament, even though Israel was a kingdom of priests, the Lord called certain men to a special priestly ministry. In the New Covenant, even though Christians are a kingdom of priests, Jesus calls certain men to a special priestly ministry. This sacrament is called Holy Orders. Men are ordained as deacons or priests (and possibly eventually as bishops) and thus empowered to serve the Church as pastors, teachers and spiritual fathers who heal, feed and strengthen God's people most importantly through preaching and administering the sacraments.

​The Sacrament of Holy Orders is one of two vocational Sacraments (Holy Matrimony is the other).  Vocation comes from a Latin word vocare, which means “to call.”  God calls men of every age, race, and tongue to serve the people of God as priests. 

If you know a young man or woman in your family, in your neighborhood, or in our parish that you think would make a great priest or religious sister, TELL THEM! 

If you believe that God is calling you to serve him as a religious brother or sister, nun, or priest, talk to one of the priests here at St. Anastasia!  You can also contact the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The priests and deacons at St. Mary's are also available to answer any questions and provide guidance to those discerning a call to the priesthood.