Holy Orders is one of the Sacraments of Service (along with marriage). It 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" (CCC 1536). There are three degrees of Holy Orders: Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.
Only baptized men may receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. In the Latin Rite of the Church, which we are part of in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, priests and bishops are non-married, while permanent deacons may be married. Holy Orders must be a call clearly discerned by the individual with the help of others. If you are sensing a call to the priesthood or permanent diaconate, it is recommended you contact the parish to setup a meeting with a priest (319.377.4869).
For more information about priestly formation in this Archdiocese, please visit http://www.dbqpriesthood.org.
For more information about the permanent diaconate in this Archdiocese, please visit http://www.dbqarch.org/offices/permanent-diaconate/.