About Church Life

Holy Orders (Ordination)

The sacrament of Holy Orders, like marriage, is a sacrament of mission, or vocation. Today there are two vocations which make up Holy Orders – priest and deacon.

Each of us is called to the kingdom of God. Through baptism, we are called His children and so have a mission as Christians to witness (in other words, to live) the faith.

Picture of priests during ordination

Continuing the Apostles Work

The sacrament of Holy Orders goes a little further. Those who are ordained are given a special grace to continue the work of the apostles in spreading the Good News, the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This good news is to be spread by word and by the living example of faith. Through ordination the priest or deacon is called to be there for the salvation of others.

A deacon is bearing witness to the Good News by proclaiming the Gospel, by preaching and by administering the sacraments of baptism and marriage. A priest does this through proclaiming the Gospel, by preaching, and through the sacraments of baptism, reconciliation, marriage, the Sacrament of the Sick and by presiding at the Lord’s Table at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

A Holy Calling

A priest is called to a life of offering sacrifice and the life of a deacon is called to be one of service to all. In both ordinations, the sacrament is conferred by a bishop, through calling down of the Holy Spirit and the anointing with Holy Oils.

St Mary's Catholic Church

Address: St Mary's Catholic Church Compton
Leek
Staffordshire
ST13 5NH
United Kingdom

Phone Number: 01538 382385

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Weekly Mass Times

Day Type Time
Mon Mass 10:00 am
Tue Mass 10:00 am
Wed -
Thu Mass 10:00 am
Fri Mass at School (during term times)
Sat Confessions 10 - 10:30 am
Vigil Mass 6:00 pm
Sun Mass 10:00 am
Rosary and Benediction   4:00 pm

Particular Mass times may vary, so be sure to check out the What's On guide for updates.

Part of The Archdiocese of Birmingham

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