Holy Orders

“I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands.” - 2 Tim 1:6

By virtue of our Baptism, all Christians are 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).

Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders are consecrated in Christ’s name “to feed the Church by the Word and grace of God.” The ordained ministers exercise their service for the People of God by teaching, divine worship, and pastoral governance. They serve as representatives of Christ to the Church, proclaimers of the Word, pastoral ministers, presiders of the Eucharist, builders of community, missionaries, advocates for the poor, and servants.

• St. Charles Borromeo Seminary - Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (Archdiocese of Philadelphia) forms priests to be shepherds after the Heart of Jesus Christ, and also forms permanent deacons, religious and lay men and women for various forms of ministry, service, and discipleship.

• Heed the Call - Do you have questions about the priesthood or just want to learn more about what being a priest is like, especially in our own Archdiocese of Philadelphia? Check out HeedtheCall.org! (This is also the website of the Vocations Office for our Archdiocese.)

• "Philly Vocations" Facebook Page

• Discernment Tools

• School of Diaconal Formation - Are you called to become a Permanent Deacon? Visit this page for more information about the Permanent Diaconate within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Want more information about vocations to the priesthood, permanent diaconate, and/or the Sacrament of Holy Orders? Contact:

For Inquiries about the Priesthood:
Rev. Fr. David Friel, Vocation Director
Phone: (610)-667-5778
Email: [email protected]

For Inquiries about the Permanent Diaconate:
Rev. Msgr. Gregory Fairbanks, Dean, School of Diaconal Formation
Phone: 610-785-6244
Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address:
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook
100 East Wynnewood Road
Wynnewood, PA 19096