Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, a baptized man partakes in the ministerial priesthood.
"This sacrament configures the recipient to Christ by a special grace of the Holy Spirit, so that he may serve as Christ's instrument for his Church. By ordination one is enabled to act as a representative of Christ, Head of the Church, in his triple office of priest, prophet, and king." (CCC 1581)
In an address to priests in Ireland Archbishop Timothy Dolan recalled a story of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who gave his life in place of a fellow prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp: '"When the Nazi commandant of Auschwitz snickered, 'Who is the Polish swine?' the 'Polish swine' did not reply, 'I am Maximilian Kolbe,' nor 'I am prisoner number 1408,' nor 'I am a friend and would like to take his place in execution.' No. He simply replied, 'I am a Catholic priest.'"
When a man receives Holy Orders he becomes someone new - he is no longer simply "John Doe", he is now a priest of Jesus Christ. Priests receive power from Jesus to forgive sins in his name, consecrate the Holy Eucharist and celebrate the other sacraments. The priesthood is a call, an identity, not a job.
Through the laying on of hands by the bishop, the Holy Spirit comes upon the man consecrating him as a priest and imparting an indelible spiritual character on his soul. Once a priest, always a priest.
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13: 2-3)
We thank our bishops, priests and deacons for saying "Yes!" to God's call in their lives to serve Christ and the Church. If you or someone you know is interested in discerning God's call to the priesthood or diaconate, contact Fr. Patrick.
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