Name the leaders of the class and describe their function.

The bishops, priests and deacons are given the grace to serve Gods people. Preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and leading the Church is part of each of their ministries. However, they also have their own responsibilities.

THE BISHOPS and their FUNCTIONS

The bishops as direct successors of the apostles are the chief teachers, priest and leaders of their dioceses.  A diocese is a local community of Christian faithful. It is made up of parish communities, schools and colleges, even hospitals.

 As chief teachers, they make sure that the faithful receive the teachings of Jesus and the doctrines of our Catholic faith. As chief leaders, they lead their people and oversee the work of their dioceses. As chief priests, they make sure that the faithful have the opportunity to participate in the celebration of the sacraments and other liturgical services. The bishops appoint priests to represent them and carry out their ministry in parishes.

THE PRIESTS and their FUNCTIONS

Priests are ordained by their bishops and are called to serve the faithful by leading, teaching and celebrating the Eucharist and other sacraments. Priests are co-workers with their bishops

. There are two kinds of priests: diocesan priests and the religious priests.

Religious priests are those who belong to religious communities. Diocesan priests are ordained to serve in a diocese.

diocesan priests

the religious priests.

Priests usually serve in parishes. can be assigned to serve in hospitals, in military camps, prisons and other institutions.

- The parish priests are responsible for the celebration of the liturgy, prayer, education, care for those in need, and upkeep of parish buildings. They lead the parish communities in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and working for justice and peace in the parish communities. - Religious priests serve wherever their communities send them.

THE DEACONS and the FUNCTIONS

Deacons are men who are not priests but are ordained by their bishops to the work of service for the Church. They have an important role in worship, leadership and social ministries.

Deacons help the parish to reach out to people in the community. They have a special responsibility to care for those who are suffering.

 They may preach the Word of God and baptize new members of the Church.  They may witness marriage and preside at Christian burials.  At Mass, they proclaim the Gospel, preach, prepare the altar, and distribute Holt Communion.

We are also called to serve others. We are not ordained priests of God but we share in the mission of spreading the Good News of Jesus. We are the laity. We have an active part to play in the life and activity of the Church.

We Respond.

As a grade 5 student, how can we become active members of the Church?

BIG QUESTIONS
y What is the Sacrament of the Holy

Orders? y Why is the Sacrament of the Holy Orders important? y Why do we need the leaders of our Church? y Why do we need to help the leaders of the Church?

Our Prayer
We pray for the leaders of our Church today. We thank God for the gift of the Sacrament of the Holy Orders.

Sources
y Llarenas, Milagros. CLE 5

Workbook. Xavier School.