Kildare Town Parish-16

Sacrament of Holy Orders

The sacrament of Holy Orders, often called ordination, is the sacrament by which the Church confers the grace to administer the sacraments on a particular person. There are three ordained ministries: bishop, priest and deacon. During the celebration of the sacrament the bishop places his hands on the head of the candidate who is to be ordained and prays that the Holy Spirit will come upon the person to assist them in their ministry of service.  

Kildare and Leighlin Priesthood

Being a priest in Kildare and Leighlin Priesthood in Kildare and Leighlin offers a diverse and challenging way of living a life devoted to God in service to his people. Priests journey with people as they celebrate the beginning of life and as they mourn its ending. They bless the joyous love of couples at Marriage and nourish the steps of children, schools and families as people are prepared for First Confession, First Communion and Confirmation. They are a constant expression of Christ’s selfless love and grace as they minister to people at times of illness, personal crisis, isolation or despair. The Eucharist, celebrated with the People of God, in church, chapel, classroom, or nursing home is the Christian Community’s source of life and our foretaste of the eternal life to come.

Ordained Deacons

It is also the central part of the life of the priest. Being a Deacon in Kildare and Leighlin The permanent diaconate is an ordained ministry, but unlike the other two ministries with Holy Orders (bishop and priest), married men may apply to be permanent deacons. Deacons can read the Gospel, preach, baptise, preside at funerals and weddings and bring Communion to the sick, but they may not say Mass or hear Confessions. As a general rule, ordained deacons will be appointed to a parish near their home, and entrusted by the bishop with specific responsibilities. Some deacons may take on specialised ministries in keeping with their gifts and experience.

If you have an interest in finding out more about the path to priesthood or the permanent diaconate in this diocese, you are very welcome to contact our Diocesan Vocations Director

Rev. Ruairi O’Domhnaill
Newbridge, Co. Kildare Tel: 083 334 3744