Catholic Hierarchy of the World

About the Catholic Hierarchy

The Catholic Hierarchy is the structure of the Catholic Church, made up of bishops, priests, and deacons. The bishops are the successors of the apostles and are responsible for leading the Church. The priests are ordained to assist the bishops in their ministry. The deacons are ordained to serve the Church in a variety of ways.

The Bishops

The bishops are the successors of the apostles and are responsible for leading the Church. They are ordained to the episcopacy, which is the highest order of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The bishops have the authority to ordain priests and deacons, and to confirm the baptized.

The Priests

The priests are ordained to assist the bishops in their ministry. They are ordained to the priesthood, which is the second order of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The priests have the authority to celebrate the sacraments of the Eucharist, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick. They can also preach, teach, and baptize.

The Deacons

The deacons are ordained to serve the Church in a variety of ways. They are ordained to the diaconate, which is the first order of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The deacons can assist the priest at the altar, preach, teach, and baptize. They can also distribute Holy Communion and lead the faithful in prayer.