Believe what you
read, preach what you believe, practice what you preach. — The bishop to
the new deacon as he hands him the Book of Gospels during the ordination
liturgy
Teacher/Parent Guide on Roles in the Church
Yes, we all need the "Teachers' Edition" now and then. Use this fact sheet to help your child complete the Activity Sheet. Below are some examples of special ways each of us serves God and one another:
Bishop
- Serves as leader for the local Church
- Teaches the faith to all the people
- Provides for our spiritual welfare
- Ensures unity among all the members of the Church
- Responsible for all the material goods of the Church
- Ordains deacons, priests and other bishops
- Gives us the sacrament of confirmation
Priest
- The bishop’s representative in parishes
- Presides at Eucharist
- Responsible for the spiritual welfare of those entrusted to his care
- Teaches the people of the parish, especially by preaching
- Administers the material goods of the parish
- Gives us the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick and presides at marriages and funerals
Deacon
- The bishop’s helper
- Remind us of our duty toward the poor and outcast by word and example
- Proclaims the Word of God to us, especially in the Gospel and by preaching
- Assists the priest and bishop at Mass
- Witnesses to the faith in his job and family life
- Gives us the sacrament of baptism and presides at marriages and funerals
Religious (Sisters and Brothers)
- Live lives of chastity, poverty and obedience
- Some may also be priests
- Live in community
- May be cloistered or active
- Teach, provide healthcare, help the poor and outcast and other special ministries
Laity
- Teach their children about the faith
- Witness to their faith in their jobs and family life
- Vote and hold public office for the good of society
- Serve the poor and outcast
- Pray for all the world
- Speak out about right and wrong
- Participate actively in liturgy
- Serve as leaders in the Church, especially in parishes
- Give each other the sacrament of marriage
