The Common Priesthood: How people serve in our Church
Regardless of whether you attend Mass once per week or have wholly dedicated your life to Christ in a religious vocation, each of us, by virtue of our baptism, has a job to do within the Church. “Everyone is called to enter the kingdom” of God, and Christ charged us in his stead to serve the poor and lowly in love. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 593-594)
Regardless of whether you attend Mass once per week or have wholly dedicated your life to Christ in a religious vocation, each of us, by virtue of our baptism, has a job to do within the Church. “Everyone is called to enter the kingdom” of God, and Christ charged us in his stead to serve the poor and lowly in love. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 593-594)
Though everyone in the Body of Christ is called to the common priesthood, the universal call to holiness is fulfilled in different ways. Some are called to serve God through their families; others through their local parishes or dioceses in direct employment; and some answer the call to dedicate their lives wholly and completely to God and his Church. Here we take a closer look at some of the roles you’ll find within our Church.
Laity are all the faithful who, by virtue of their baptism, confirmation and participation in the holy Eucharist, are called to be witnesses of Christ in the world.
Here are a few examples of lay ministers who may be serving at your church:
- Director of Religious Education is responsible for the religious education of all age levels in a parish.
- Coordinator of Youth Ministry is responsible for the religious education of the youth in a parish. Works with the Director of Religious Education and parish staff to reach out to youth and involve them in the religious life of the parish.
- Director of OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly RCIA) is responsible for overseeing the process of welcoming new adult members into the Catholic Church.
Men and women in consecrated life often live in community and take vows such as poverty, chastity and obedience. They may be priests, monks, nuns, consecrated virgins or religious brothers or sisters.
Deacons are men ordained to assist in carrying out the Church’s ministry. They are able to proclaim the Gospel, preach, baptize, and conduct funerals and weddings outside of Mass.
Priests are men ordained to mediate between God and his people. They preside at Mass, celebrate sacraments and minister to the people in their congregation. They may have the title of pastor or parochial vicar (assistant pastor).
Bishops, successors to the Apostles, have received the fullness of Christ’s priesthood. Bishops are the visible head of their diocese. “Diocese” is from the Greek word for administration and is the district under the supervision of a bishop.
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, the successor to St. Peter and the Vicar (representative) of Christ on earth. Christ is the head of the Church; the pope is Christ’s visible representative.
Though laity and religious may lead different lives, we all share and participate in the priesthood of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. (Lumen Gentium 10) How has God called you to serve?
