The mission of the ordained ministry is to help bring people closer to God through the proclamation and preaching of the Word of God in the Bible, in the sacramental life of the Church, and through ministry to the needy in our society. Ordained ministers (bishops, priests, and deacons) regularly proclaim the Gospel, preach the word of God, and celebrate the seven sacraments of the Church. The Eucharistic celebration is at the heart of the ministry of the Church, and it is from the Mass that the mission of the church is celebrated and sent forth to do the good works that Jesus Christ commanded us to do.

Ordained ministry is not simply a collection of actions taken by bishops, priests, and deacons. It is a way of life and a response to a call or vocation from God. Through the sacrament of ordination, the bishop, priest, or deacon is strengthened to fulfill the obligations that are part of this ministry, specifically obedience, and regular prayer for the Church.

All ordained ministers participate in a long and extensive formation process to help the candidate discern whether in fact he has such a vocation and to further assist the candidate in growing in maturity as a human being. The links below offer more information on the Ordained Ministry and the process of becoming a priest or deacon.