# data[].attributes.body
Christ began his ministry by choosing the Twelve Apostles to whom the entrusted the Church. These were the first bishops, also called episcopacy (from the greek episkopos, meaning "overseer"). The successors of the Apostles, each bishop in the world, then possess the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Therefore only bishops can administer this sacrament to either future bishops, priests, or deacons. Bishops oversee the People of God assigned to them, or their diocese, and in this way contribute to the whole Mystical Body of Christ. Each bishop holds the position of teaching, sanctifying, and governing in his individual diocese. Often the bishops are organized into a bishops' conference where they discuss moral and social issues of concern.

# data[].attributes.body
Sometimes referred to as the presbyterate, the office of the priest is closely joined to the episcopacy. Both bishops and priests act "in persona Christi"--"in the Person of Christ. Priests rely on the spiritual guidance of their bishops, since they have not yet received the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Priests are co-workers of the Bishop and are assigned to carry out certain tasks in an individual parish, such as performing the Mass.

# data[].attributes.body
Like the office of the bishops and priests, the office of deacons is bestowed through Holy Orders. Deacons are ordained for the ministry of service (in Greek, "diakonia"). The main mission of the deacons is to assist the priest in all elements, especially in distributing Communion and proclaiming the Gospel. There are two types of deacons: permanent deacons and transitional deacons. Permanent deacons which can be married men remain in the position while transitional deacons are preparing for the ordination to the priesthood.