the bishop
Holy Orders
In most Churches that have the threefold order (deacons, priests and bishops), like the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Churches, most deacons are ordained priests after one year being a deacon. However, some elect to remain as permanent deacons as this is where they believe their calling lies. Also, in the Roman Catholic Church married men are allowed to become deacons but are not, as yet, allowed to become priests (although some Catholic priests are now married - such as married Anglican priests who have moved to the Roman Catholic Church)> therefore, for married men the diaconate is the only order open to them and they remain deacons permanently.
In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, a priest has more authority than a deacon. Priests are ordained to celebrate the Eucharist, hear confessions, and perform other sacraments, while deacons assist priests and perform specific duties, such as baptisms and preaching. Deacons do not have the same sacramental authority as priests. Therefore, within the clerical structure, priests hold a higher position of authority.
Deacons, priests, bishops, monks, friars, brothers.
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All catholic deacons, priests, and bishops receive the sacrament of holy orders.
I assume you are meaning the clergy here, if so the following is a rough guide. (In reverse order, with top at the bottom.) Deacons | Priests | >- - - Monsignors - - - Arch-Deacons - - - (some) Arch-Priests Bishops | Arch-Bishops | Cardinals | The Pope
Bishops, priests, and deacons in good standing with the Cathoiic Church
Priests, Deacons, Bishops, Cardinals, Monsignor's, the Pope, are all members of the Catholic clergy.
Like all confessions, prisoner confessions can only be heard by a priest
Roman Catholic AnswerA bishop has many assistants: all of his priests and deacons in the diocese are his assistants.