There are three levels of participation of the Sacrament of Holy Orders: as bishop, as priest, and as a deacon. 

A bishop receives the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He is the head or Ordinary of the local church. The local area entrusted to him is called a diocese. A bishop is also a member of the episcopal college: this is all the bishops who, with the pope, guide the Church.

Priests serve the community in various ways. They may be called to serve in their dioceses or as religious order priests, carrying out the mission of a particular religious community. They preside at liturgies, preach, administer the sacraments, counsel people, serve as pastors, and teach.

Deacons help and serve bishops by serving the needs of the Church, proclaiming the gospel, teaching and preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages, and assisting the priest celebrant at liturgies.

Deacons are ordained for service in the Church. There are deacons who are studying to become priests. There are deacons that include married men who are called to remain deacons for life and to serve the Church in this capacity. Note that in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston admissions for men interested in becoming deacons requires that a man is between the ages of 32 and 52, that he may be married in the Church or single, and must have the consent of his wife.

If you sense that God may be calling you, contact Fr. Joseph. Or you may also visit the website below for guidance, resources, and more.