Holy Orders

The sacrament of Holy Orders is composed of three degrees which are irreplaceable for the organic structure of the Church: the episcopate, the presbyterate and the diaconate.

The anointing of the Spirit seals the priest with an indelible, spiritual character that configures him to Christ the priest and enables him to act in the name of Christ the Head. As a co-worker of the order of bishops he is consecrated to preach the Gospel, to celebrate divine worship, especially the Eucharist from which his ministry draws its strength, and to be a shepherd of the faithful.

Photo at left: April 30, 2025 - Over the weekend, seminarians Nicholas Hershbine (left) and Joseph Beale (second from right) were admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders by Bishop James Ruggieri at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts. Also pictured is Fr. Alexander Boucher, parochial vicar of St. John Paul II Parish, Scarbrough. 
Two priests of the Diocese of Portland have been bestowed the title of monsignor based on exceptional service to the Church – Monsignor Jean-Paul Labrie, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent, and Monsignor Frank J. Murray, who retired from active ministry in 2020. The title of monsignor, with the rank of Chaplain to His Holiness, was granted to both by Pope Francis  before his passing. The presentation was made during a special Mass celebrated by Bishop James Ruggieri on May 21 at Holy Redeemer Church in Bar Harbor. (see photo at right).