Priests
Priests are “co-workers” of the bishops insofar as their ministry depends upon the episcopal order for its exercise. Through the sacrament of holy orders, priests “are signed with a special character and so are configured to Christ the priest in such a way that they are able to act in the person of Christ the head” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1563).
The primary role of the priest is to offer the sacrifice of the Holy Mass and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Depending upon his state in life (for example, whether a secular or religious) and particular assignment, a priest will also engage in other areas of ministry. St. Anne Church has as its pastor the Rev. Michael A. Dodd, a priest of the Diocese of Tulsa.
Deacons
Deacons are special co-workers of the bishop in his task of “diakonia” or service, and they therefore receive the sacrament of holy orders in such a way that they are specially configured to Christ the Servant. While deacons may be assigned any number of duties for the good of the local community, as with the bishop and priest their public ministry finds its pinnacle and source of strength in the Divine Liturgy of the Church, especially in the Holy Eucharist, at which they are the prime assistants of the bishop and priests. The Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions examples of other common duties of the deacon, including “...the distribution of Holy Communion..., assisting at and blessing marriages..., the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching..., presiding over funerals..., and dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1570). St. Anne Church is served by the Rev. Deacon Ken Schumacher, a deacon of the Diocese of Tulsa.
See also the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Vocations Links
If you think that God may be calling you to a vocation as a deacon or priest, or if you would just like more information, the following links may be helpful. Information about other callings, for example to marriage or the consecrated life, is also available:
Priests
Priests are “co-workers” of the bishops insofar as their ministry depends upon the episcopal order for its exercise. Through the sacrament of holy orders, priests “are signed with a special character and so are configured to Christ the priest in such a way that they are able to act in the person of Christ the head” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1563).
The primary role of the priest is to offer the sacrifice of the Holy Mass and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Depending upon his state in life (for example, whether a secular or religious) and particular assignment, a priest will also engage in other areas of ministry. St. Anne Church has as its pastor the Rev. Michael A. Dodd, a priest of the Diocese of Tulsa.
Deacons
Deacons are special co-workers of the bishop in his task of “diakonia” or service, and they therefore receive the sacrament of holy orders in such a way that they are specially configured to Christ the Servant. While deacons may be assigned any number of duties for the good of the local community, as with the bishop and priest their public ministry finds its pinnacle and source of strength in the Divine Liturgy of the Church, especially in the Holy Eucharist, at which they are the prime assistants of the bishop and priests. The Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions examples of other common duties of the deacon, including “...the distribution of Holy Communion..., assisting at and blessing marriages..., the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching..., presiding over funerals..., and dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1570). St. Anne Church is served by the Rev. Deacon Ken Schumacher, a deacon of the Diocese of Tulsa.
See also the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Vocations Links
If you think that God may be calling you to a vocation as a deacon or priest, or if you would just like more information, the following links may be helpful. Information about other callings, for example to marriage or the consecrated life, is also available: