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…It includes three degrees of order: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate” (CCC 1536). Deacons, priest and bishops are essential to the Catholic Church because we believe that they continue the work begun by the apostles.
Since the beginning, the ordained ministry has been conferred and exercised in three degrees: that of bishops, that of presbyters, and that of deacons. The ministries conferred by ordination are irreplaceable for the organic structure of the Church: without the bishop, presbyters, and deacons, one cannot speak of the Church. (CCC 1593)
The Church confers the sacrament of Holy Orders only on baptized men (viri), whose suitability for the exercise of the ministry has been duly recognized. Church authority alone has the responsibility and right to call someone to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. (CCC 1598)
In the Latin Church, the sacrament of Holy Orders for the presbyterate is normally conferred only on candidates who are ready to embrace celibacy freely and who publicly manifest their intention of staying celibate for the love of God’s kingdom and the service of men. (CCC 1599)
Ordination (or orders) is the public celebration of those who have been called to a special ministry of service to the community. In a special way, the Church, the ecclesial body of Christ, asks for God’s blessing on those who will be a special sign of Christ’s presence to all the people of God. The “orders” of those who have been called to serve are deacon, priest and bishop. Each has a distinct and different ministry to God’s people for which different rites are celebrated in this sacrament. It is a sacrament that symbolizes in a special way one’s baptismal call to serve.
There are many resources for those seeking to learn more about becoming a priest or deacon or joining the consecrated life, such as Visiting the office of the Vocation Director in the Archdiocese of Nairobi:
This office is headed by the Vocations Director who is appointed by the Archbishop. He accompanies aspirants in discerning their vocations to Priesthood. He assists them to make free choices and to be committed. The director’s primary task is to support these individuals in making informed and autonomous decisions, fostering a deep sense of commitment within them.
One of the core duties of the vocations office is to impart knowledge of Christian values and charisms to young people. By doing so, it enables them to gain a better understanding of themselves and their place within the community. This education serves to illuminate their inherent charisms, facilitating personal growth and aiding in the nurturing and discernment of their vocations.
In collaboration with bishops and the vocations team, the office actively seeks out young men who feel called to serve as clerics within the diocese. The director personally engages with these potential candidates, visiting their homes and parishes to gather pertinent information. For those selected to enter seminaries, the vocations office provides ongoing support throughout their formative journey, addressing any challenges or concerns they may encounter. This hands-on approach not only ensures the well-being of the candidates but also fosters a strong partnership between the diocese and seminaries.
In the vocations office, there is a teamwork spirit. This implies shared responsibility and cooperation in the work of the recruitment and formation of young people into mature Christians and clergymen. The Bishops, priests, religious men and women and the Christian faithful work together so that the ministers that are given to the Church ultimately become a blessing for the sanctification of the world.
To contact the Vocations Director, write an email to vocations@archdioceseofnairobi.org
For more information about the Sacrament of Holy Orders, visit our parish office on 1st Floor at Cardinal Otunga Annex or contact the parish office on Tel: +254 712 311 394 or drop an email info@holyfamilybasilica.org
Holy Family Basilica
P.O. Box 40891 – 00100, Nairobi
0712 311 394