Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536
By Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist we become the chosen race, the royal priesthood, the holy nation of God. (1Peter 2:9) Some are called by God to a life of service and ministry in the order of priesthood or deaconate: to preach God's word, offer healing and reconciliation and to help people experience Jesus in their lives.
The Archdiocese offers preparation for the sacrament of Holy Orders. For more information, please contact the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Office of Vocations, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco 94109, or (415) 565-3600.