EPISCOPATE (BISHOP) A Bishop is an ordained minister who holds the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and is responsible for teaching doctrine, governing his diocese, sanctifying the world, and representing the Church. The office has origins in the apostles who were endowed with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and has remained unbroken through the centuries by the laying on of hands.
PRIESTHOOD (PRIEST) Some men are called to lay down their lives for the Church in the ordained ministry as priests. These men stand in the person of Christ and serve their bride, the Church by preaching, teaching, and celebrating the Sacraments. The most vital role of the priesthood is spiritual and sacramental leadership. In his ministry, a priest promotes the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of the people.
DIACONATE (DEACONS) A man begins his journey to priesthood by being ordained as a “transitional deacon” after suitable preparation and discernment, usually in the last year of seminary training. This distinguishes men bound for priesthood from those who have entered the “permanent diaconate" and do not intend to seek ordination as a priest. A permanent deacon can be single or married. Deacons, whether transitional or permanent, receive faculties to baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial services outside of Mass, distribute Holy Communion and preach the homily at the Eucharist.