I. Episcopate 1. Pope - Vicar of Christ - Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church - St.

Peter's sucessor, Bishop of Rome, Benedict XVI - Joseph Ratzinger 2. Patriarchs - the head of some autonomous particular Churches consisting of several local Churches (dioceses) 3. Major Archbishops - Catholicos - major archbishop 4. Cardinals - Appointed by the Pope, College of Cardinals advise the Pope 5. Primates - is a title or rank bestowed on some bishops in certain Latin rite churches. Depending on the particular tradition, it can denote either jurisdictional authority (title of authority) or ceremonial precedence (title of honour). 6. Metropolitan 7. Archbishops - head of archdioceses (administrative or diplomatic) - Papal Nuncio, a permanent diplomatic representative 8. Diocesan Bishops 9. Other Bishops - A Diocesan Bishop may have bishops who assist in his ministry a. Coadjutor Bishop (co-assist) b. Auxiliary Bishop (an additional bishop assigned to a diocese) II. Presbyterate 1. Priests in service outside their diocese - Although priests are incardinated into a diocese or order, they may obtain the permission of their diocesan ordinary or religious superior to serve outside the normal jurisdiction of the diocese or order. These assignments may be temporary or more permanent in nature. 2. Positions within a diocese at diocesan level (Vical General) - The diocesan bishop appoints a vicar general to assist him in the governance of the diocese 3. Vicar Forane/Dean/Archpriest - in charge of a vicariate forane (namely of a group of parishes within a diocese) 4. Pastors - The parish priest or pastor is the proper pastor of the parish entrusted to him 5.Parochial Vicars - Assistant priests (common counsel and effort) 6. Honorary Titles - The honorary title of Monsignor may be conferred by the Pope upon a diocesan priest (not a member of a religious institute) at the request of the priest's bishop. The priest so honored is considered to be a member of the papal household III. Diaconate 1. Deacons - ordained ministers of the Church who are co-workers with the bishop alongside presbyters, but are intended to focus on the ministries of direct service and outreach rather than pastoral leadership 2. Archdeacon 3. Subdeacon IV. The Laity 1. Lay ministry - refers to all the work of the laity whose primary vocation is not in the ecclesial structure of the church but who may serve in a single ministry to build up the life of the church. This can include Catechists, acolytes, lectors, initiation sponsors, pastoral care ministers, and members of parish and diocesean consultative bodies.