Holy Orders is 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.(CCC 1536)

The priest is a man, chosen from among men to be  an “alter Christus” (another Christ). The call to serve is a vocation. One does not choose, but is chosen by Christ and the Church to continue the mission of Christ on earth. 

A woman who enters consecrated life chooses to deepen her baptismal commitment by taking vows which emphasize the values of prayer, loving service, and simple living in community with others. 

Thinking about exploring religious life? We are here to help:

• Pastor of St. Joseph    Fr. Peter Devereux 919-231-6364
• USCCB  Discerning Women
• Diocese of Raleigh   Discernment for Women Religious