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 until the end of time. Thus, it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. Catholic men can receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders which creates the hierarchy of deacon, priest, and bishop in the Catholic Church.

Has God called you to give your life for His Kingdom? To know this answer, you must understand your vocation. What is a Vocation? In the simplest terms, “vocation” means a “call.” So, in general terms your vocation is what God calls you to do with your life. Everybody is called by God to know, love and serve him. The difference is how each one follows through and does this.

Individual vocations vary between being single, married, consecrated, religious or a priest. However, we often use “Vocation” to mean a call to the consecrated, religious or priestly life. That is what we are considering on this web-page, but the principles and much of the advice are also applicable to the married and the single life.

In the one life God gave you to live, you have one overriding purpose, to fulfill the will of God, because this is the key to your true destiny, eternal happiness. To investigate and to understand the Lord’s plan for you, never hesitate to speak with a priest or deacon of the parish. We have been through the process of discernment and can offer insightful support for your journey. Call the office for an appointment (760) 749-3324 or e-mail your pastor at Pastor@ststephenvc.com

The basic advice to anyone discerning their vocation:

1. Open yourself to plan and will through prayer of the Rosary, Adoration, Chaplet of Mercy, Meditate on Scripture, or even walk through the country observing God’s creation. Put your mind and heart towards the Lord.
2. Allow Christ to change you. Participate regularly in the sacraments of penance (Put a link to Confession here) and Communion (Put a link to Eucharist here). In committing ourselves to the Lord’s Holy Sacraments, you are entrusting yourself to Him. Christ will surely transform you and guide you.
3. Finally, share with others, especially those you have confidence in, your journey of faith and discernment. Often, in conversation and prayer with others, the truth of God’s will is illuminated for you.

Call forth from Christ His Spirit to fill you who give each of us a particular mission in life. As we grow and life progresses, he makes it known to us, usually in indirect ways, more as an invitation than an imposition. For even more information about sisterhood, brotherhood or Holy Orders for priests and deacons, visit the Diocesan Vocations website.