Diocesan Priesthood
The priest is a man of faith and prayer who has responded to God’s call to bring the people to God and God to the people. He is an extension of the local bishop; living a life of service, celibacy, and obedience to their bishop. Priests are called to proclaim and celebrate the Good News among God’s people.
Most men ordained for the Diocese of Tulsa serve in parishes of the diocese. They are an active and loving presence of Christ among the people, sharing their faith and participating in the struggles of the people they are serving. Some priests serve as teachers and chaplains in schools while others serve in various diocesan institutions. Wherever they serve, priests work in bringing peace, love and justice to those around them.
Men who are interested in studying for the priesthood in the Diocese of Tulsa, would attend one of the seminaries that the diocese utilizes in the formation and education of its priest. By the time he is ordained, a priest has completed a bachelor and a master’s degree, usually in philosophy and theology. At the end of the third year of theology, the seminarian is ordained to the Diaconate; at the close of the fourth year, he is ordained to the Priesthood.
To learn more about the diocesan priesthood or seminary contact Mr. Wayne Rziha, Director of Vocations Recruitment & Promotion at (918) 744-0023 ext. 18 or wayne.rziha@dioceseoftulsa.org.
Permanent Deacon
A deacon is ordained and has a mission to minister to the needy and the poor and to be a minister of Word and Sacrament, working in obedience to his bishop and in close fraternal cooperation with priests. While all Christians are called to serve others, the deacon through his consecration at ordination is configured to Christ in a unique and particular way: as servant of all in a servant Church.
Because more than 90% of permanent deacons are married, the deacon is sometimes described as a bridge between the laity, from whose ranks he comes, and the ordained, of which his three-fold ministry of service is word, sacrament, and service. However, although he is ordained and thus has certain liturgical privileges, it is important to note that he is not a priest and thus does not have the rite of celebrating Mass, absolving sins, or anointing the sick.
As a unique sign and instrument of Jesus Christ, our servant lord, the deacon can often be found ministering to sick, immigrants, children, the aged, single parents, the handicapped, the divorced, substance abusers, the homeless, prisoners, the poor, and families. In a liturgical context, he can proclaim the Gospel, preach, and assist with the preparation of the altar and the distribution of Holy Communion upon delegation from the pastor. The deacon may preside at baptisms, prepare couples and witness their vows of matrimony, officiate at funerals, and guide and administer the community when there is not a priest available. In summary, he is charged with promoting and sustaining the apostolic activities of the lay faithful, inspiring them to become servants within the Church.
To learn more about the Permanent Diaconate and/or the Diocese of Tulsa Permanent Deacon formation program, contact Fr. Teddy Yew, Director of Deacon Formation at (405) 372-6408 or fr.edward.yew@dioceseoftulsa.org.
Consecrated Religious Life
Whether brother or monk, those persons whom God calls to live the vocation of consecrated religious life respond to a call of living the life of Christ. While their expression of this life may differ depending upon their gender, community, charisma, and apostolic work, in essence they have been called to give their life to Christ in service to his Church. No one job or career defines the life or work of the man or woman who discern this vocation. More aptly, the defining character is their witness of joy and holiness they gain through Christ’s love.
For the people of God, the religious brother or priest’s commitment is one sign and living proof that Christ is still among us as the One who is Brother to us all. In his life of celibacy, poverty, and obedience he challenges us to be responsible with our use of power, love, and material goods.
Often times, brothers live in community. Together they draw strength and support for their life of sacrifice and service. They are bound together by a deep desire to live as Christ, thus being a witness to the world that the Lord is present. While each community models themselves after a particular spiritual leader, charism, and service to the church, all communities seek to give a face to the person of Christ in the modern world.
Chaste Married Life
The vocation that most people discern is the sacramental union of marriage. In this sacrament, man and woman commit themselves to each other and to God until death parts them. Their two lives become one and in essence reflect both the image of the trinity and the church. During the wedding ceremony, they seek the Church’s blessing upon their love for each other and publicly seal their promise to live together in intimacy, love, and faithfulness.
The embodiment of the married couple’s love is a child; the fruit of their physical and spiritual unity. A child is God’s gift and blessing to the marriage. It should be cherished and welcomed into a loving environment. Sometimes, although they desire children, couples are unable to have children. This does not mean that God does not bless them or that weren’t listening correctly in their discernment of their vocation. God might be calling them to be a witness to the vocation in other ways.
Managing a household; guiding, educating, and providing for their children; and meeting their own spiritual, intellectual, and social needs calls forth the very best in each couple. A deep faith in God’s love for them is the foundation of a married couple’s life. Their faith is expressed through prayer, devotion, and service to their family, church, and community. Faith gives them greater wisdom, patience, and hope when the inevitable struggles occur and more intense joy when they celebrate the blessings that God has given them.
