Priests are to preach the Gospel, exercise the pastoral ministry, and lead the faithful in worship. A special part of their sacramental ministry is offering the Eucharist and acting for Christ in the sacrament of Penance. Deacons are ordained by the bishop to the ministry of service. They assist the bishop and priests by baptizing, proclaiming God s Word to the faithful, preaching, distributing Communion, giving Eucharistic Benediction, blessing couples who receive the sacrament of Matrimony, presiding over funerals, and performing many works of service. Permanent deacons are single or married men who will remain deacons for the rest of their lives.
Transitional deacons are men who are ordained to the deaconate before being ordained as priests.
The bishop confers Holy Orders. He places his hands on the head of the one to be ordained, praying that the Holy Spirit will consecrate him and give him the gifts proper to his ministry. The sign of the sacrament consists in this. A man who is a good Catholic, has prepared himself by study, and has been accepted by the bishop may receive Holy Orders. No one has a right to be ordained, for a man is called to the priesthood by God through the Church.