Christ is knocking very hard at many hearts,
looking for young people like you to send into the vineyard
where an abundant harvest is ready. - St. John Paul II
By the power of the Holy Spirit, the Risen Christ continues to lead His flock here on earth through the ministerial priesthood ordained for this purpose through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. This particular sacrament is called 'orders' because there are three participatory degrees to this sacrament, all 'ordered' to one another. The three orders are bishop, priest and deacon; all ordered to serve in distinct yet interconnected ways. We are all by our baptism part of the common priesthood of Jesus Christ, but from among the faithful some are chosen for the ministerial priesthood and 'ordered' in a special way to be at service of the common priesthood. The ordained priesthood is a means by which Jesus Christ builds up and leads His Church here on earth (CCC 1544-1547).
One word sums up the priesthood: Love.
Not the flawed love of human beings. Priests are humans like the rest of us.
I’m talking about the Love that created space and time,
hung on a cross, rose from the dead,
promised that he’d never leave us,
and who reaches out to the world today,
through the hands of his priests.
One Word Sums Up the Priesthood: Love
Deacons receive the imposition of hands 'not for the priesthood but for the ministry.
' For, strengthened by sacramental grace, they are dedicated to the people of God,
in communion with the bishop and his presbyterate,
in the service of the liturgy, of the word and of charity.
- Vatican II