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
Episcopal ordination - fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders
“Amongst those various offices which have been exercised in the Church from the earliest times the chief place… through their appointment to the dignity and responsibility of bishop, and in virtue consequently of the unbroken succession going back to the beginning, are regarded as transmitters of the apostolic line. CCC 1555
Image of Bishop Joseph V. Brennan. Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno.
The ordination of priests – coworkers of the bishops
“…Through that sacrament priests by the anointing of the Holy Spirit are signed with a special character and so are configured to Christ the priest in such a way that are able to act in the person of Christ the head.”
CCC 1563
Image of Msgr. Scott Daugherty. St. Anne's Parish Pastor.
The ordination of deacons – “in order to serve”
Deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace in a special way. The sacrament of Holy Orders marks them with an imprint (“character”) which cannot be removed, and which configures them to Christ, who made himself the “deacon” or servant of all. Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist… CCC 1570
From left to right: Deacon John X. Rees, (Deaceased) Deacon Michael Avila, (Retired) Deacon Jim Dieterle, and Deacon Gregorio Echeveste.
If you are a man who feels called to serve Christ's people in the capacity of Holy Orders, or a woman or man who feels called to religious life. Please contact the Parish Office. You may also contact the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Fresno at 488-7478 or visit the Diocese of Fresno website at: www.dioceseoffresno.org