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Religious Life & Ordained Ministry
 God distributes gifts to each Christian, so that when we come together as community, the sum total of our charisms may go toward building up Christ’s body, the Church. From among the many ministries of the baptized, the Holy Spirit draws some people toward consecrated religious life and some to ordained ministry in the Church.
In religious life, women and men dedicate themselves by the profession of vows to prayer and lives of service in the Church. Here in the Northwest, we are familiar with the Jesuits, Benedictines, Trappists, Dominicans, Franciscans, Sisters of Providence, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, and a number of other religious orders. These communities staff primary and secondary schools, universities, hospitals, retreat centers, and labor in a myriad of other ministries, from direct work with the poor to spiritual direction. St. Joseph Parish itself is staffed and sponsored by the Jesuits, and our school was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Names.
In ordained ministry, men called to the priesthood or diaconate are entrusted with sacramental and preaching ministries, within the context of pastoral care to the people of God.
Persons interested in religious life or ordained ministry are encouraged to speak with Fr. John Whitney, S.J., who can help arrange for spiritual direction to aid in discernment, and provide contact information for area vocation directors.
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