Holy Orders - Channelling

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Each of us has a calling in life – some of us are called to fathers, other mothers, some of us are called to be nurses, others builders. We each have unique gifts and talents and are called into some definite kind of service. In the Catholic tradition, a very distinct and special calling is that of the priesthood. Someone is made a priest through a supernatural channel called Holy Orders.

Each of us has a calling in life – some of us are called to be fathers, other mothers, some of us are called to be nurses, others builders. We each have unique gifts and talents and are called into some definite kind of service. In the Catholic tradition, a very distinct and special calling is that of the priesthood. Someone is made a priest through a supernatural channel called Holy Orders.

No man is born a priest. After a demanding selection process, and a long period of training, he receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders through the hands of a senior priest called a Bishop. The man is now said to be "ordained" and takes on a new identity which lasts his whole life.

Colour illustration by Elizabeth Wang:

Christ our High Priest

www.radiantlight.org.uk

Catholic priests do not marry. They are given a special gift to enable them to live this way. By not being married they are free from family commitments, have an un-divided heart, so as to totally serve those in their local community at any time of the day or night.

In some Catholic Churches you will find married priests. This exemption to the rule was made recently to accommodate a number of Church of England (Anglican) priests, who were already married, but wanted to join the Catholic Church.

Fr Kevin Dring. He has been a priest for 10 years.

The priesthood is believed to be an enormous gift for the world. Through priests we can be spiritually healed and fed, listened to and find a helping hand. They are our spiritual fathers who offer us good things. It is a way of life Jesus Christ called some of his first followers to more than 2000 years ago.

Catholics don't believe that priests are perfect. Sadly in recent years, there have been appalling high profile cases of when priests have abused their influence and authority. Of the five thousand priests serving in England and Wales, these cases refer to an extreme minority.

Pause for thought - Image of a tree branch covered with bright red leaves

Have you ever met a priest? What was he like?

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Channelling:

Holy Orders.
Life4seekers response

Your guide for this section is Lloyd. He is 56, and lives in London. Click here to read his story.

This is a website of the Catholic Enquiry Office; part of an Agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales

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