Jesus called and sent out 12 of his disciples to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God by healing the sick and casting out demons. They were called Apostles and later he also sent out another 72 disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Their ministry of teaching and organising the early Christian Communities, is the foundation of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, where those whose call from the Holy Spirit is confirmed and ordained by the laying on of hands and the prayer of the Church.
The three orders of this ministry are those of Bishops, Priest and Deacons. The Bishop exercises oversight of a diocese, or group of local Churches; Priests share the ministry of Bishops in offering Holy Mass and the sacraments in local parishes; and Deacons are ordained to serve the community both in Sunday worship and in teaching and administration. All share in Christ’s ministry of reconciling the world to the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
