Leadership in the Roman Catholic Church

Question 1

What is the order of leadership in the Roman Catholic Church?

Answer 1

Pope –> cardinals –> archbishops –> bishops –> priests - laity

Question 2

Role of the pope

Answer 2

St. Peter’s successor on earth, succeeded by cardinal when dies etc.

Question 3

Role of cardinals

Answer 3

Given position by pope, chief advisors on all religious matters
Elect new pope when needed

Question 4

Role of archbishop

Answer 4

Head of large area of churches (4 in Ireland; one for each province)
Leader fo all bishops in province

Question 5

Role of bishop

Answer 5

Religious leader of a diocese (Ireland has 26)
One of roles = to confer sacrament of confirmation
Irish bishops attend Episcopal meeting in Maynooth College, Co. Kildare, 3x yearly

Question 6

Role of priest

Answer 6

Religious leader of parish

Celebrates sacraments of baptism, Eucharist, last rites, marriage & reconciliation with his people

Question 7

Role of laypeople

Answer 7

Baptised members of Catholic Church
Important role at mass - e.g. read/give out Eucharist
e.g. of lay organisation in Catholic Church: SVP