HOLY ORDERS
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul?” (Matt 16:26)
In His life, St Francis Xavier had planned to be a lecturer but experienced a deep conversion, and surrendered his life to Christ as a priest. Like our patron Saint, often we might feel ill-equipped or unworthy, but all of us are called to a great mission - to spread the Gospel and love as Jesus loves us.
After Jesus’ ascension, His apostles had the important mission of spreading the Good News. They also chose a new Church leader to be a witness to Christ and continue His work. Some men are called to serve Jesus and the Church today through the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Through their leadership in the Church, they help continue Jesus’ presence on earth in the tradition of the apostles.
Those who are called to be priests are ordained through the Rite of Ordination. Priests receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders in this rite. There are three levels of participation in the Sacrament of Holy Orders: as bishop, as priest and as deacon.
A bishop is the head of the local church. The local area entrusted to him is called a diocese.
A priest serves the community in various ways such as these:
- Celebrates Holy Mass, baptisms, weddings, reconciliation and funerals
- Offers the gift of counsel to those who seek Jesus
- Shepherds a parish with its staff and volunteers
- Teaches in Catholic schools and/or religious education programs
- Visits the sick, dying and homebound
Deacons help and serve bishops by for instance, proclaiming the gospel, teaching and preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages and assisting the priest celebrant at liturgies. Deacons are ordained for service in the Church. There are deacons who are studying to become priests. There are also deacons that include married men who are called to remain deacons for life and to serve the Church in this capacity.
There is no one way of hearing God speak, but regardless prayer is the key to a good discernment of His will in your life. Spend time in prayer and partake in the sacraments often, do also talk to a priest or a spiritual director so they can guide you on your journey. There are several options - priest, religious and consecrated life - available, a full list can be found on the Catholic.sg website.
God desires us to live full lives, "I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep." (John 10:10-11) So let the good shepherd lead and know that the church will pray and walk together with you.
“Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)
Becoming Fathers
Read their stories/ watch the ordination videos of the sons of our parish that have now become fathers.
Fr Jude David | Fr Terence Kesavan
Discernment Journeys
Read the vocation discernment journeys of our seminarians currently undergoing formation under the diocese, Carmelites and ICPE mission(The Institute for World Evangelisation)
Francis Tan, 2017 (Carmelites)
Jeremy Wong, 2016 (Carmelites)
Other Vocation Journeys @ SFX
Read about other vocation journeys our sisters have courageously stepped towards.
Jacinta Teo, 2016 (Good Shepherd)
Sabrina Tan, 2017 (Verbum Dei)
If we missed out any, let us know at mmm@sfxchurch.sg