From the moment of Jesus' conception in the womb of Mary until His Resurrection, He was filled with the Holy Spirit. In biblical language, He was anointed by the Holy Spirit and thus established by God the Father as our High Priest. As Risen Lord, He remains our High Priest. While all the baptized share in Christ's priesthood, the ministerial priesthood shares this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in a special way.
Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded His Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God's call using the words of the prophet, "Here I am, send me" (Is 6:8).
If you are discerning a call to the priesthood or diaconate please visit the appropriate links in the left-hand column.