The Priest

The priest is a man ordained to the second degree of the sacrament of Orders, to serve the people of God as co-worker of the bishop. Configured to Christ the Priest, he acts in his name and makes Christ present to his people, above all in the Eucharist and the forgiveness of sins.

Co-worker of the bishop

The priest receives a share of the sacrament of Orders, a share that depends on the fullness held by the bishop. It is the bishop who ordains him, and the priest remains his co-worker. Since the bishop cannot be everywhere, the priests extend his ministry in the local communities, the parishes, and form around him one single body of shepherds. From the beginning, the apostles established elders in each place: “They appointed elders in every Church.” Acts 14:23 The word “priest” comes from the Greek presbyteros (πρεσβύτερος), the elder.

The Eucharist

The central act of the priest is the Eucharist. On the altar, by his hands, Christ makes present the one sacrifice of the cross and gives himself as food. The priest does not speak there in his own name: when he says “This is my body”, it is Christ who acts through him. This act Christ instituted at the Supper and entrusted to his own: “Do this in memory of me.” Luke 22:19

The forgiveness of sins

The priest also forgives sins in the name of Christ. On the evening of Easter, the Risen One gave this power to the apostles, and it is handed on by ordination: “Those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; those whose sins you retain, they are retained.” John 20:23 In absolution, it is again Christ who forgives, through the mouth of the priest.

Shepherd of the people

Beyond these two acts, the priest leads the portion of the flock that the bishop entrusts to him: he proclaims the Gospel, instructs the faithful and watches over them as a shepherd. He exists for them: he is the steward of the gifts of God given to the Church. “Let us be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:1