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"Becoming a priest or a man or woman religious is not primarily our own decision...Rather it is the response to a call and to a call of love."
Pope Francis, Address to Seminarians and Novices, July 6, 2013 -
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By virtue of our Baptism, all Christians are part of a common priesthood of believers. We are all called to participate in Christ's mission. Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, bishops and priests are given a special role in carrying out this mission. They exercise a ministerial priesthood. Deacons also receive a special grace through ordination and are called to assist the ministry of bishops and priests [Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], nos. 1547,1554).
Pope Benedict XVI writes, "The priest is above all a servant of others" (Sacramentum Caritatis [Sacrament of Charity], no.23). In gathering the community, modeling Christ's love for the poor, presiding at Eucharist, and evangelizing social realities, ordained ministers help Christians imitate Christ's mission of love and justice.
Resources for Discerning Men and Women
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