top of page

Priesthood

Holy Orders 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: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.

 

The word order in Roman antiquity designated an established civil body, especially a governing body. Ordinatio means incorporation into an ordo. In the Church there are established bodies which Tradition, not without a basis in Sacred Scripture, has since ancient times called taxeis (Greek) or ordines. And so the liturgy speaks of the ordo episcoporum, the ordo presbyterorum, the ordo diaconorum. Other groups also receive this name of ordo: catechumens, virgins, spouses, widows. . .

 

Integration into one of these bodies in the Church was accomplished by a rite called ordinatio, a religious and liturgical act which was a consecration, a blessing or a sacrament. Today the word “ordination” is reserved for the sacramental act which integrates a man into the order of bishops, presbyters, or deacons, and goes beyond a simple election, designation, delegation, or institution by the community, for it confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a “sacred power” (sacra potestas) which can come only from Christ himself through his Church. Ordination is also called consecratio, for it is a setting apart and an investiture by Christ himself for his Church. The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible sign of this ordination. (CCC 1536-1538)

 

If you have ever thought about or are currently discerning a call to the priesthood, then speak to our Pastor or the Vocation Director for the Diocese of Sacramento. Be courageous. Do not be afraid. God is always generous with those He calls to the priesthood.

Bishop Soto ordaining

Fr. Jose de Jesus Beltran in 2011.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

     To know Christ and to make Him known

MISSION STATEMENT

Inspired by the example of St. Katharine Drexel, we strive to serve the Lord by:

 

  • Make the Eucharist the source and summit of our lives

  • Build intentional community

  • Preach the Gospel to the people of Amador County

  • Form missionary disciples

  • Reach out to those in need

ADDRESS

11361 Prospect Drive

Martell, CA

(Physical Address)

​

11361 Prospect Drive

Jackson, CA 95642

(Mailing Address)

OFFICE HOURS
​

Tuesday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM

Phone calls and in-person visits with staff are welcome during these hours.

​

(209) 223-2970

office@amadorcatholic.com

© 2025 by St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Parish

bottom of page