THE PRIEST

The priest is the local spiritual leader who gives oversight to parishioners. He is at the bottom of a long ladder of authority, the top being the pope, and in the middle there are bishops, cardinals, etc. Though at the bottom of the authority ladder the priest is nonetheless the central figure in the local parish. He baptizes the infant, forgives his sins as he matures, gives him Jesus in the form of a wafer bread on Sundays and Holy days, marries him and gives the “Last Rites” (spiritually prepares him to die) on his deathbed.

The priest has much power. With the Latin words “Te absolvo” (“I forgive you”) he wipes the penitent sinner’s sins away. He can change wine into the blood of Jesus and bread into the body of Jesus.

The priest is a celibate; under no circumstance can he marry. He depends on the CC for everything, including spending money. His superiors do not object to him smoking or drinking socially. He usually lives on church property, alone or with other priests. A cleaning person maintains his residence and cooks some of his meals.