SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” – Matthew 9:37-38

At Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church Mbuya Parish, we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Orders, recognizing and honoring the calling of individuals to serve the Church as deacons, priests, and bishops. This sacred sacrament is essential for the continuation of the Church’s mission, bringing Christ’s presence to the faithful through the ministry of ordained clergy.

Understanding the Sacrament of Holy Orders

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. It includes three degrees:

1. Deaconate: Deacons are ordained to serve by assisting bishops and priests in various ministries, including preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages, and performing acts of charity.
2. Priesthood: Priests are ordained to lead the community in worship, particularly through the celebration of the Eucharist, as well as to preach, teach, and provide pastoral care.
3. Episcopacy: Bishops receive the fullness of Holy Orders, serving as successors to the apostles. They oversee dioceses, ordain new priests and deacons, and ensure the integrity of the faith.

The Importance of Holy Orders

Holy Orders is vital for the life of the Church because:

• Continued Apostolic Ministry: It ensures the continuation of Christ’s mission through the ages.
• Sacramental Grace: It bestows special graces upon the ordained to serve the Church faithfully and effectively.
• Leadership and Guidance: Ordained ministers provide spiritual leadership, guidance, and care to the faithful.

The Path to Ordination

Discerning a vocation to Holy Orders involves prayer, reflection, and guidance. Here are the general steps involved:

1. Initial Discernment: Feeling a call from God to serve in a special way through the Church.
2. Spiritual Direction: Seeking counsel from a spiritual director or parish priest to explore the vocation more deeply.
3. Seminary Education: Entering a seminary for theological education and formation, typically for several years.
4. Diaconate Ordination: For those called to the priesthood, ordination as a transitional deacon before becoming a priest.
5. Priesthood Ordination: After completing seminary formation, being ordained as a priest by the bishop.
6. Ongoing Formation: Continuing education and spiritual growth throughout the ministry.

Support for Vocations

At Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church Mbuya Parish, we actively support those discerning a call to Holy Orders through the Vocations office of the Comboni Missionaries:

1. Spiritual Guidance: Our clergy are available for one-on-one spiritual direction and vocational counseling through the Vocations office of the Comboni Missionaries.
2. Friends of Comboni: A dedicated team to promote, support vocations and formation of Priests within our parish.

Contact Information

If you feel called to explore a vocation to the priesthood or diaconate, or if you would like more information about the Sacrament of Holy Orders, please contact the Vocations Office of the Comboni Missionaries:

Vocations Director: +254650026 / +256778809305

Website: www.comboniuganda.org

At Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church Mbuya Parish, we are committed to fostering and nurturing vocations. We invite you to join us in praying for more laborers to serve in God’s harvest and to support those discerning a call to ordained ministry. May the Holy Spirit guide you in your journey of faith and service.