Priests and Deacons
Priests and Deacons are two distinct ordained ministries that cooperate with the bishop in pastoral care, worship, proclamation, and charity.
Presbyters
Priests, also called presbyters, share in the bishop's ministry and form one presbyterate with him. They ordinarily preach, celebrate the Eucharist, reconcile penitents, anoint the sick, and shepherd communities, but they do not possess the fullness of Holy Orders or ordain other ministers.[1][2]
A pastor is a priest entrusted with a parish; not every priest is a pastor. Religious priests also live according to the constitutions of their institute, while diocesan priests are incardinated in a diocese or other canonical structure.
Deacons
Deacons are ordained not to priesthood but to a ministry of service. They proclaim the Gospel, assist at the altar, may baptize and witness marriages according to law, preside at certain prayers and funerals, and exercise works of charity. The permanent diaconate can be conferred on married men; discipline differs among the Catholic churches.
References
- Back to citation Presbyterorum ordinis — Vatican II decree on priestly ministry and life.
- Back to citation Catechism: Three Degrees of Holy Orders — Paragraphs 1554–1571 on bishops, priests, and deacons.