Holy Orders

Learn More

Contact your parish for information or to schedule a celebration.

Not sure how to get in touch with your local Catholic Church?

Click here to find a parish →


Alphonse J. Schwartze
Memorial Catholic Center

2207 West Main St | PO Box 104900
Jefferson City, MO 65110-4900

A Call from God

The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults teaches us, that from the moment of Jesus' conception in the womb of Mary until his Resurrection, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.  In biblical language, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit and thus established by God the Father as our high priest. As Risen Lord, he remains our high priest. . . . While all the baptized share in Christ's priesthood, the ministerial priesthood shares this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in a special way.

Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest.  Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God's call using the words of the prophet, "Here I am, send me" (Is 6:8).  This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate.

Where does our Diocese send Seminarians?

About the Priesthood and the Permanent Diaconate

Young and adult men who are curious about the priesthood and who may be discerning a vocation are encouraged to contact he Parish Office and speak to one of our priests who would be very happy to answer questions and to share some of his story.  Adult men between the ages of 30 and 55 who wish to learn more about the permanent diaconate and who may be discerning a vocation are also encouraged to contact the Parish Office or the Vocations Office at the Catholic Chancery, 573-635-9127.