The Ministerial priesthood, received in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, conforms a man in a particular way to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. This conformity give the priest the aurhority to speak and act in the person of Christ in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. The purpose of the priesthood is to serve the people of God by building up and guiding the Church in the name of Christ, who is Head of the Body. Visit the Green Bay Diocese vocation homepage.  

In this privileged state [the religious life] there is a happy and wonderful exchange; for goods of this world are given up and in their place the goods of Heaven are received. Treasures that will pass away are surrendered in exchange for treasures that last forever. Articles of no value are swapped for articles of priceless value.
- St. Basil