Holy Orders

Diaconate

The Permanent Diaconate is very active in our Diocese and in Stockton we have three Permanent Deacons.

Deacons have a calling from God to serve the Church in a special way. After training they receive Holy Orders and have three particular ministries: the Ministry of Charity, the Ministry of The Word and the Ministry of The Altar. Deacons can be single men or married men whose wives play a big part in supporting them.

Priesthood

The Priesthood is also a calling from God who calls us in many ways: in our mind, through Sacred Scripture or even through our family and friends.

Being a Priest is a wonderful way of serving God by ministering to His people throughout their lives by preparing them for and administering the Sacraments.

Candidates undergo a very thorough period of formation, study and training.

Religious Life

Some men or women feel called to the Religious Life in a Monastery or Convent. There are many religious orders throughout the country.

If you think God is calling you, then in the first instance please speak with your Parish Priest who will listen to you and help you discern if you may have a call to serve God in the Church.

Fr. Sean Hall looks after formation of Deacons and Fr. Shaun O’Neill looks after Vocations to the Priesthood.