Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

In the holy season of Easter, Christians continue to learn about their faith through the proclamation of Scripture. The stories of disparate and scattered people gathering in the name of Jesus to form one body of Christ are told. They cared for each other selflessly, fought against uprisings and politics to remain steadfast in Jesus' way, and endured persecution due to their strong faith.

This holy season is a time when Christians marvel at the early disciples who were so filled with the Holy Spirit that they spread the Good News across the entire earth. Their faith was so strong that they saw Jesus in every difficulty they faced. Each moment was a blessing for them, and they dedicated their days and nights to God.

During April and May, young believers receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Thanks to technology, these celebrations can be shared not only within families or small communities but across the Diocese of Orlando and around the world through photos, texts, and videos. This joyous proclamation brings God's message to people no matter where they live.

The first disciples taught us that anything done through God is not just for one person but for the entire community of faith. The Sacraments are "powers that come forth" from Christ's body, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Church. They are "the masterworks of God" in the new and everlasting covenant (CCC 1116).

The Sacraments make up the Church as they communicate to men, especially through Eucharist, the mystery of communion with God who is love (CCC 1118). Both ministerial priesthoods—of bishops and priests—and common priesthoods participate in Christ's priesthood in their own ways.

A recent article by Bishop Thomas Grady from 1985 reminded us that Holy Orders is a sacrament for the community of faith. Two transitional deacons will be ordained to the priesthood on May 25 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. The ordination ceremony is an experience of unity as everyone participates, whether in person or via livestream or in prayer.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders serves the common good. These two men are taken from the community and will serve it. This sacrament came to be not only because these men said "yes" to God but also because of the gifts given by the Spirit to every person in the church.

At every ordination, families, clergy serving in the Diocese of Orlando, religious sisters, seminarians, and discerners fill more pews. Friends, co-workers, classmates, and the community of faith overflow the sacred space as they have all served the ordinands on their journeys toward this ministry of priesthood.

The reception of any sacrament is not just one moment; it is a lifetime of fulfilled and fulfilling grace transcending both the person receiving and the community offering it. Bishop Grady wrote that when we say that "the Spirit is the life of the Church," we mean that "the gifts of the Spirit working in the community beget life that nurtures and perpetuates it."