This sacrament consecrates Christians in service to God.  The whole church is asked to pray that people will discern a vocation to the Priesthood or Diaconate. 

Those ordained to priesthood are called to serve through celebrating the sacraments, presiding over the Sunday Eucharist, helping people understand the Word of God and encouraging people to participate in the parish.

The Permanent Diaconate hass only recently restored to the Catholic Church in Ireland even though it was restored as part of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. The first responsibility of the deacon is to be an effective visible sign of Christ who came to serve rather than to be served.  Although the ministry of the deacon may be exercised on a part-time basis, he remains at all times a deacon and he is called, in his life-style, to reflect this.

For more about priesthood and the diaconate in Dublin diocese see www.dublindiocese.ie/vocations