“The divinely instituted ecclesiastical ministry is exercised in different degrees by those who even from ancient times have been called bishops, priests, and deacons. Catholic doctrine, expressed in the liturgy, the Magisterium, and the constant practice of the Church, recognizes that there are two degrees of ministerial participation in the priesthood of Christ: the episcopacy and the presbyterate. The diaconate is intended to help and serve them.” (CCC 1554)

“It is true that the ministry of the bishop, taken individually, must be exercised in communion with the whole Church under the guidance of the Pope. It is also true that the ministry of priests must be exercised in communion with their bis hop. Finally, the ministry of deacons is exercised in communion with the bishop and his presbyterate.” (CCC 1559)

“Like living stones, be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)