St. John the Baptist

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is a continuation of Christ's priesthood, which he bestowed upon his Apostles at the Last Supper.

There is only one sacrament of Holy Orders, but three levels of that sacrament -

• the Episcopate - when a Bishop is ordained to be a Bishop by another bishop. He stands in direct succession from the Apostles.  All episcopal ordinations must be approved by the pope.
• the Priesthood - priests minister to the diocese of the Bishop.  Their chief duties include preaching the gospel and celebrating the Eucharist
• the Diaconate - deacons assist priests and Bishops, but can preach the gospel, not celebrate the Eucharist.

Each level of ordination confers special graces, from the ability to preach, granted to deacons; to the ability to act in the person of Christ to offer the Mass, granted to priests; to a special grace of strength, granted to bishops, which allows him to teach and lead his flock, even to the point of dying as Christ did.

Response Program

 Do you feel called to priesthood? Would you like to meet others with the same calling?  The Response Program is a process of ongoing prayer and discernment designed for adult Catholic men (college age and older) who have taken the initiative to express interest in diocesan priesthood.  Meetings are held at Christ the King Seminary once a month.  If you would like more information, please contact Rev. Andrew Lauricella, Vocation Director of the Diocese of Buffalo, at (716) 847-5535.

Saint Joseph Club

Are you in high school, thinking about priesthood and want to meet others who are as well?  Then Check out the Saint Joseph Club.  The club is open to all high school men who wish to take a serious look at their lives and grow personally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Each member is asked to attend the club's meetings and events in an attempt to discern and understand God's call in his life.  Meetings are held at Christ the King Seminary once a month.  If you would like more information, please call Rev. Andrew Lauricella, Vocation Director of the Diocese of Buffalo, at (716) 847-5535 or visit www.buffalovocations.org .