Holy Orders

Holy Orders

Holy Orders describes the historic three-fold order of ordained ministries in the Church. 

Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those who are being made bishops, priests, and deacons through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. 

Each of the three-fold orders carry with it a unique ministry to serve God's people, the Church, and the community.

The Process

When one is called to be ordained they enter a process of discernment.  This is a time of prayer, reflection, dialogue, and study to discover the direction to which one is feeling called by God. It is a formational journey done in community, under the oversight of the Bishop and the Commission on Ministry (COM) of the Diocese of St. Anthony.  This journey doesn't always result in an invitation to Holy Orders.

    • Join the Order of St. Anthony & Commit to the Rule of Life

    • Discern a Call to Ordained Ministry

    • Complete Application & Enrollment Process

    • Begin courses in St Anthony Institute & Begin Mentoring Relationship

    • Complete Block 1 of Courses

    • Interview with the Commission on Ministry (COM)

    • Complete Block 2 of Courses

    • Submit Progress Report based on course work & mentoring meetings

    • Complete Block 3 of Courses

    • Complete Exam

    • Interview with the COM

    • Ordained to the diaconate

    • Continue to Discern or Permanent Deacon

    • Complete Block 4 of Courses

    • Interview with the COM

    • Complete Comprehensive Exm

    • Ordained to the Priesthood

Some things to know about Holy Orders

  • It begins with joining The Order of St. Anthony and one year of discernment

  • It is a process of personal and professional development in partnership with the Commission on Ministry

  • It is done under the direction of Bishop Chris Green and your local parish pastor (if applicable)

  • It is a vow taken for life