Josh Bauer, St. Elizabeth/St. Dominic Seminarian
Sacred Heart Major Seminary

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. In receiving the sacrament of Holy Orders, men are ordained to the preisthood. Catholic Preists serve others in the name of Christ, administer the sacraments, and lead the Catholic faithful. (CCC 1533)

Receving Holy Orders takes many years of education and prepartion. The graces received through the Sacrament of Holy Orders give the priest the ability to carry out the awesome resposiblities of the preisthood.

If you think you may be called to the priesthood, it is important that you first discern the calling.

Discerning a vocation is a serious matter and ought not to be taken lightly. It should also not be undertaken alone. A spiritual director should guide you through the process, walking with you as you discern.

Here are some steps to take if you think you are called to a vocation:

1) Research it! Get online and find out if it seems like something you could see yourself doing
2) Talk to a priest
3) Get in touch with the diocesean vocation director
4) Pray, pray, pray!

Diocese of Lansing Vocation Page

Men who are not called to the priesthood can still enter religious life, as a Catholic brother.

While women cannot be ordained, women can enter religious life. Women who have made vows to serve the Church are called either nuns or sisters.

Religious life may seem scary, but almost every priest, brother, or sister is incredibly happy with the life they have chosen. Yes, religious life requires huge sacrifice, but if you are called to religious life, the grace and joy of your vocation will far, far outweigh the sacrifice.

Diocese of Lansing Religious Life Page