The Structure and Authority of the Church

The Structure of the Church

• The Church's authority is unique and supernatural, originating from God.
• Church leaders are chosen by God, not elected.

Authority in the Church

• Church authority has a singular and unique nature, having a supernatural character and divine origin.
• Ecclesiastical authority originates from God and is exercised by those chosen by God to lead the Church.
• Church leaders are not elected officials.
• The power of the Church is by the will of Christ.
• Jesus gave apostles the power which he received from the Father.
• This power is supernatural and sacred, and must be solely for sanctification and salvation.
• Jesus gave his apostles authority (Mt 28:18-20) - to make disciples, baptize, and teach.

The Hierarchical Constitution

• The hierarchical structure of the Church is defined in the Second Vatican Council document (LG 18).
• Christ set up various offices in the Church for the good of the whole community.
• The Apostles were given the mission by Jesus.
• Bishops are the successors of the apostles.
• Peter is placed at the head of the apostles to ensure unity in faith and communion.

Features of the Church's Hierarchy (CCC 874-879)

• The Church's hierarchical order is represented by ministerial priesthood of those who've received Holy Orders.
• Ministerial authority and mission comes from Christ.
• Church ministers or leaders act and speak as ministers of Christ's grace, in the person of Christ.
• The hierarchical authority arises from Christ.
• It is a real service.
• It has a collegial character.
• Its character is personal and sacramental to the office.

Degrees of Priesthood

• Apostles acted as specifically distinct group exercising power as Christ's ministers.
• Jesus willed that the Church have a hierarchy to perpetuate the apostolic powers of teaching, ruling and sanctifying.
• Christ sent his apostles and their successors to proclaim faith and establish his reign.
• Apostles received power to act in his person (CCC 935).
• Bishops, as successors of the apostles, are endowed with power and mission.
• Bishops are responsible for teaching doctrine, guarding the deposit of faith and governing life of the Church.
• Administer the sacraments.
• In the Church there are three degrees of priesthood: bishop, priest, and deacon.

The Bishops

• The bishop holds the highest degree of priesthood ("episkopos" - overseer in Greek).
• Bishops are successors of the apostles.
• They have the authority to govern a diocese.
• Bishops are responsible for teaching, governing and sanctifying. (Mt 28:18-20)

The Priests

• A priest is ordained and has the triple power of teaching, ministering, and governing.
• Priests exercise their ministry in collaboration with the bishops.
• Diocesan and religious priests can be assigned as parish priests, seminary formators, school, hospital chaplains, spiritual directors of charitable institutions.
• They serve the good of the whole Church in their vocation.
• There are two kinds of priesthood: ministerial and common.

The Deacons

• Deacons, meaning "servant," hold the lowest position in the Church hierarchy.
• Deacons' duties include administering baptism, assisting during burials, officiating marriages, and assisting priests at Mass by proclaiming the Gospel, giving homily, and distributing Holy Communion.
• They cannot perform the consecration of the Eucharist and sacraments of Confirmation and Confession.

The Laity

• Laity is the majority in the Church (as the base of a pyramid).
• Laity, through baptism become members of the People of God.
• Lay people are incorported into Christ.
• Responsible for their own part, to play in the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and the world.
• Lay people are "congregation of the faithful."
• Laity are responsible for their part to play in Christ's mission.
• Laity is essential to fulfill Christ's mission.
• Role of laity is in different strata of society.
• Laity plays essential role in evangelization (Baptism, Confirmation, Matrimony).