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 deaconate (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536). Bishop: Direct successor of the Apostles. His principle task is to teach, sanctify and shepherd the members of the Church. Presbyter: Assists the bishops in their ministry, celebrates the Eucharist, administers the Sacraments and spreads the Good News. Deacon: Assists the bishops and priests. A deacon assists at the Eucharist, distributes Holy Communion, baptizes, blesses marriages, proclaims and preaches the Gospel, presides over funerals and above all, dedicates himself to ministries of charity.
Any young man who feels the call to discern a priestly vocation should contact Fr. Thuy. We must all share in the responsibility of recruitment of vocations to service in our Church.