The whole Church is a priestly people. Through Baptism all the faithful share in the priesthood of Christ. This participation is called the “common priesthood of the faithful.” Based on this common priesthood and ordered to its service, there exists another participation in the mission of Christ: the ministry conferred by the sacrament of Holy Orders, where the task is to serve in the name and in the person of Christ the Head in the midst of the community.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1591

Priests provide pastoral leadership in the community of faith. From the waters of baptism and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, priests and laity share a sacramental origin and a common purpose as disciples of Christ. These bonds imply a continuing relationship of collaboration and mutual respect. The competence, love, and gifts of the laity complement and support the ministry of priests. (National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Program of Priestly Formation, No. 39)

The Spirit who conforms us with Christ is the same one who calls us to follow him, who anoints us for the mission that the Father entrusts to us, and who makes us enjoy, esteem, judge and choose everything relating to Jesus and his Reign. It is the Spirit who comes to our aid in our weakness when we experience the hardships of the way. The Spirit is the “inner teacher” who leads us into all truth in our following of Christ and gives us the strength we need in order to give our life in proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom to the poor and to face the difficulties of evangelization. (Claretian Missionaries, Formation of Missionaries, No. 96)

For more information about the sacrament of Holy Orders please speak with one of our Claretian Missionaries at San Gabriel Mission or contact the Vocations Office of our Claretian Missionaries of the U.S. Western Province by E-mailing us at  cmffvoc@earthlink.net.