We come to God the Father through Jesus Christ his Son. This makes Jesus the true High Priest (see the Letter to the Hebrews).

All Christians by baptism share in the life of Christ and so share in his priesthood (‘the priesthood of all believers’). In his time on earth Jesus appointed twelve disciples to lead, to teach and to administer the Eucharist. Today the bishops of the Church are the successors of the Twelve and they are helped in particular tasks of ministry by priests and deacons.

Men are made bishop, priest or deacon through the laying on of hands by a bishop in the sacrament of Holy Orders.

The ministerial priesthood is a gift of God to his Church to build up the Church. The special role of the priest is to officially represent Christ and his Church. In particular the priest celebrates the Eucharist and represents the bishop in teaching and leadership.