Bishop's Interview: The sacrament of holy orders configures a man to Christ

Editor: Bishop, we are continuing our exploration of each of the sacraments. This month our focus is on holy orders. What is this sacrament and who can receive holy orders?
Bishop Vásquez: The sacrament of holy orders was given to the church by Jesus Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says 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” (CCC, 1536). Holy orders is a vocation in which the person is configured to Christ. His essence is changed and he now serves in persona Christi.
Only a baptized man may be ordained in the sacrament of holy orders. To summarize the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, Jesus chose men to be the twelve apostles and the foundation of the ministerial priesthood, and the apostles continued this practice as have their successors down through history. By baptism, all the members of the church share in Christ’s holy priesthood. It is called “the common priesthood of the faithful” because the entire church shares in it. To build up this priesthood, Christ gives us the ordained ministries of bishops, priests and deacons through the sacrament of holy orders.

Editor: This sacrament creates bishops, priests and deacons. Tell us more about these ministries.
Bishop Vásquez: The sacrament of holy orders is given by degrees: diaconate (deacons), presbyterate (priests) and episcopate (bishops). Those three orders work in tandem; they work together to carry out the work of Christ through his church.
The order of the diaconate is about a man being called to serve others. Deacons may baptize, preach and administer holy Communion. In the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles called seven men to assist them. We know those men as the first deacons. As the apostles were proclaiming the word of God, instructing the people and celebrating the Eucharist, they needed the assistance of the deacons to carry out their work. Today, and especially since Vatican II, we continue the tradition of ordaining men to the diaconate.
The order of the presbyterate continues the work of Christ, particularly preaching, celebrating the Eucharist and forgiving sins. These sacraments were given to us by Jesus at the Last Supper, and also on the first Easter Sunday when Jesus appeared to the apostles, and said, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.” He breathed upon them, giving them the Holy Spirit. Christ instituted these sacraments, which continue today in our church. Priests are also called to be coworkers with their bishop, and priests promise obedience to the bishop in service to God’s people.
The episcopate, the bishops, receive the fullness of the sacrament of holy orders. They are the successors to the apostles, and only they have the power to confirm and to ordain. Bishops are called to be pastors, to protect, guide and nurture their local church. One of the primary roles of a bishop is to uphold the magisterium of the church and ensure the integrity of the sacraments. They also belong to the college of bishops and exercise their authority in union with the pope, who is the head of the college of bishops and successor of Peter.

Editor: On June 27, you will ordain five men to the priesthood. What does that mean to you?
Bishop Vásquez: There is no greater joy for me as a bishop than to ordain a man as a priest of Jesus Christ. The world needs Christ. People hunger for Christ. The priest is called to serve the people. The men I will ordain will go into the world to celebrate the sacraments, forgive sins, anoint the sick, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, transform bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Christ in the sacrament of the Eucharist. Priests are called to spiritually nourish and feed God’s people. On the day of ordination, I am filled with joy to ordain a man to continue the great work of Jesus Christ.

Editor: What is the current status of men studying for the priesthood in our diocese?
Bishop Vásquez: We are very fortunate in the Diocese of Austin; long before I was named bishop in 2010, the bishops of Austin have diligently worked to create a culture of vocations. There are currently 28 men in formation, and over the next five years we expect to ordain about three new priests per year.
The diocesan Office of Vocations continues to help men discern the call to the priesthood. We have been blessed with solid vocations directors, a couple of whom have been named bishops. Father Jonathan Raia has served as vocation director since 2014. In July, I will assign him to be the director at the University Catholic Center in Austin, and Father Greg Gerhart will serve as vocation director beginning on July 1. I am confident he will continue the good work of fostering a culture of vocations in our diocese, parishes and families.

Editor: What do you consider the most critical factor in a man’s decision to become a priest?
Bishop Vásquez: Obviously, there are many factors in a man’s decision to become a priest, but I believe the most important factor to a man’s vocation is his family. To me family is essential; nothing substitutes for a mother and father faithfully living out their vocation and providing a strong family life for their children.
Another critical factor is the presence of good, holy and joyful priests in a man’s life. As a young man, I was blessed to have the support of my wonderful family and to know priests who were filled with joy and who encouraged me to listen for God’s call. Joyful and holy priests who are dedicated to Christ provide solid examples of faith for young men, who then begin to yearn for Christ and listen for his call.

Editor: What is your prayer for those who will be ordained on June 27?
Bishop Vásquez: I pray these men will be open to the grace of God. May they open their hearts, souls, minds and bodies to the Holy Spirit. May they allow the Holy Spirit to conform their lives and hearts into Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Amen.

Editor: What is your prayer for the deacons and priests in our diocese?
Bishop Vásquez: I pray we live faithfully to the promises and vows we made to God on the day we were ordained. Let us renew our zeal and reawaken that grace which was given to us in the sacrament of holy orders as deacons, priests and bishop. May we joyfully carry out the work of Christ until he returns and establishes his kingdom forever. Amen.