In the early Church, the order of Deacon was created to assist the priest in the mission and service to the Christian community. (Acts 6:2-6) Today, deacons help the priest at the celebration of Mass, the baptism of children, the witnessing of marriage, and the celebration of funerals. They are ordained to serve and care for the needs of the Church's faithful as well as the poor, the sick, and marginalized of the world. The permanent diaconate is often comprised of married men. Through a call from God and affirmed by the local bishop these men assist in parishes.

To learn more about the permanent diaconate reach out to the Diaconate Office at the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.

In the Latin Rite, a man who becomes a priest must be unmarried. He is to promise a life of chastity and obedience to the Church and his local bishop. His call comes from God and is affirmed through his bishop. By the laying on of hands the man becomes a priest who acts in the Person of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, anointing of the sick, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and all the other Sacraments.

Men prepare to become priests through many years of formation in seminaries.  This process begins by meeting the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, Fr. Duy.  Fr. Duy works with any men discerning a calling to the priesthood by meeting with them, teaching them how to pray well, do service projects, and meet with other men discerning the priesthood.  

If interested in learning more about discerning the priesthood, contact Fr. Duy at vocations918@gmail.com.