Ranking system of those in the Clergy who serve any god.
Deacon
There are two types of Deacons within the Church, but we’re going to focus on transitional deacons. These men are also referred to as seminarians and are students of the Church. They are generally in their last phase of training for priesthood. They maintain this role for twelve months.
Deacons can practice in many similar ways to priests. They can baptize, witness marriages, and perform funerals.
Priest
After graduating from being a Deacon, individuals become priests. To become a priest, one must undertake the Rite of Ordination. This ordains them into the priesthood. During the ceremony, they promise to uphold the duties of priesthood and to obey his superiors.
Once a priest, individuals are able to perform the ceremony of the Eucharist, take confession and perform Anointing of the Sick. Priests are also able to perform Holy Matrimony.
There are two types of priests within the Church, religious and diocesan. Diocesan priests lead individual parishes. They serve the people within their own parish and are not required to take the same vowels as religious priests. Diocesan priests live on a monthly salary and have their meals and lodging provided for them by the parish. Additionally, they may wear whatever clothes they choose outside of service. This type of priest is more common in secular countries without a strong traditional Catholic population.
Religious priests, however, vow themselves to a religious order, such as the Jesuits. They wear particular religious garb and take additional vows of poverty and obedience. Priests are unable to hold personal possessions and they own very little other than their clothes. They typically live in a group house alongside other members of the order. Typically they are not provided with a salary and must follow the orders of their superior.
Bishop
Bishops are ministers who hold the full sacrament of holy orders.
Bishops are required to be 35 years old, ordained at least five years prior and hold a doctorate in theology. They are believed to truly hold expertise in canon law and sacred scripture. They typically govern over local regions known as dioceses.
Becoming a bishop is an important moment in most clergy life, as all senior rankings hold the title bishop. Bishops reach their retirement age at 75 years old. At this time, they are to submit their resignation to the Pope who will then work with him to determine a suitable replacement.
Bishops are the third, and fullest level of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Archbishop
Archbishops are particularly important bishops. They oversee large areas of churches called archdiocese. The title comes from the Greek word meaning “chief”. Bishops report directly to them when in need of assistance or guidance. The archbishop is best thought of as a manager of bishops for a certain geographical region.
Cardinal
Cardinals are leading bishops and members of the College of Cardinals. Their biggest duty is participating in the Papal Conclave, that is, voting for the new Pope. Most have additional duties including missions within the Roman Curia, governmental body of the Holy See. To be eligible to attend these votes, however, Cardinals must be below the age of 80.
Pope
The highest honor a member of the clergy can receive is to be elected as the leader of the Catholic Church. The Pope is elected by cardinals under the age of 80 following the death or resignation of a Pope. There is no limit to how many years a Pope may hold his office.
The office of the Pope is referred to as the papacy. The Pope rules the Church in a very similar way to a king would a country.
Newly elected popes much choose a regal name, many choose to honor the names of previous popes. Each pope chooses his name in reflection of a saint he feels a strong connection to. Catholics believe their pope is infallible, and that God will not allow his followers to be misled by having him make a wrong statement.
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