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"There they (Paul and Barnabas) strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, "It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God." And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe." Acts 14:22-23
The bishop, while laying on his hand, says, "Lord, fill with the gift of the Holy Spirit him whom you have deigned to raise to the rank of the priesthood, that he may be worthy to stand without reproach before your altar to proclaim the Gospel of your kingdom, to fulfill the ministry of your word of truth, to offer you spiritual gifts and sacrifices, to renew your people by the bath of rebirth; so that he may go out to meet our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, your only Son, on the day of his second coming, and may receive from your vast goodness the recompense for a faithful administration of his order."
This priesthood is ministerial. “That office . . . which the Lord committed to the pastors of his people, is in the strict sense of the term a service.” It is entirely related to Christ and to men. It depends entirely on Christ and on his unique priesthood; it has been instituted for the good of men and the communion of the Church. The sacrament of Holy Orders communicates a “sacred power” which is none other than that of Christ. The exercise of this authority must, therefore, be measured against the model of Christ, who by love, made himself the least and the servant of all. “The Lord said clearly that concern for his flock was proof of love for him.” Catechism of the Catholic Church #1587, #1551
The Sacrament of Holy Orders continues the mission of Jesus Christ, entrusting his leadership of the Catholic Church by ordinations of bishops, priests, and deacons. The apostles were given a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit by Jesus Christ, which continued through the ordination of bishops.
Priests are called to share in the apostolic mission of Jesus Christ by being ordained as co-workers with the bishops in the care of God’s people. Saint Vincent de Paul has one priest, our Pastor, Fr. Philip Brembah. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a priest, contact the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Ft. Worth.
Deacons
share in the mission of Jesus Christ in assisting the bishops and priests in their service and ministry to God‘s people. We have two deacons who serve our parish. Deacon Kevin Bagley is a full-time employee and serves as a Pastoral Associate. Deacon Alan Vu assists with the parish's sacramental life in many ways. If you want to learn more about the permanent diaconate, contact Deacon Scott France at 817-945-9482 or visit the Diocese of Fort Worth web page.