Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, bishops and priests are given a special role in carrying out the mission of the Church. They exercise the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ as head of the Church. Through many of the Sacraments they act In Persona Christi (In the Person of Christ).  The share in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Deacons also receive a special grace through ordination and are called to assist the ministry of bishops and priests (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], nos. 1547, 1554). Pope Benedict XVI writes, “The priest is above all a servant of others” (Sacramentum Caritatis [Sacrament of Charity], no. 23). In gathering the community, modeling Christ’s love for the poor, presiding at Eucharist, and evangelizing social realities, ordained ministers help Christians imitate Christ’s mission of love and justice.