Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is one of two “Sacraments at the Service of Communion.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Holy Orders as “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.” (CCC1536). From the beginning, this Sacrament has been reserved to men, chosen from among the people of God to be set aside to be living signs of Christ’s love for the world.

Those interested in entering the Priesthood or Religious Life are encouraged to contact the Parish Office at (937)434-6081.

Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has ordained permanent deacons since 1976 and has over 170 ordained men serving God’s people. The model for the work of the Permanent Diaconate is found in the Gospel of John when Jesus got up from the table, removed His outer garment and began to wash the disciples’ feet, instructing them to go and do likewise. Deacons in this diocese carry out that mandate of service in ministries of the Word of God and of Liturgy and by providing witness in the marketplace of Christian love and justice. Deacons in our Archdiocese perform ministries of the Word of God by proclaiming the Gospel at the liturgy, catechetical instruction, reaching out to non-Catholics and alienated Catholics in evangelization, participating in parish renewal programs and Bible studies. In their secular occupations they bring the Gospel to bear on the concrete circumstances of everyday individual and social life. Deacons often have a high visibility in the local church community as a result of the Ministries of the Liturgy which they undertake. Through baptizing, witnessing marriages, presiding over funerals and burials, leading parish Liturgy of the Hours and other ministries of the liturgy, the deacon finds the source from which he draws his own Christian life and the grace to carry out his ministry. The diaconate has been from ancient times primarily a ministry of love and justice. In our day and in our archdiocese, deacons can be found ministering to prisoners, the handicapped, the divorced, those who are addicted, the homeless and poor. It is the ministry of love and justice particularly which prompts the deacons to not only do good works themselves, but enliven and enable their fellow parishioners to become involved in these labors of Christian caring. The Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is truly a blessing to the church and to our local communities and continues to grow and thrive with the help of the Lord.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact the Archdiocese of Cincinnati:
Office of the Diaconate
100 East Eighth St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-421-3131
E-Mail Address: deaconoffice@catholiccincinnati.org