The Catholic Church is Like a Big Family
In the Catholic Church, everyone has an important role to play, just like in a family or a sports team. Some people have special jobs that help lead and guide the Church, while others help in different ways.
1. The Pope
The Leader of the Family
The Pope is like the leader of the whole Catholic Church. He helps guide everyone and makes important decisions for the Church. The Pope lives in a place called the Vatican in Rome, Italy, and people all over the world look to him for leadership.
Saint Peter was the first Pope, and he was one of Jesus’ apostles. Jesus picked Peter to be the rock on which the Church would be built. Peter was the leader of the first Christians, and all Popes after him are his helpers.
2. Cardinals
The Helpers of the Pope
Cardinals are like the Pope’s closest helpers. They help him make big decisions about the Church and take care of important things. When it’s time for a new Pope, the cardinals gather together to choose who will be the next one.
3. Bishops
The Big Brothers of Churches in an Area
Bishops are like “big brothers” who lead a large area called a diocese. They take care of many churches and make sure everything is going well. They also help the Pope and the cardinals with decisions.
4. Priests
The Fathers Who Lead Local Parishes
Priests are like “father” figures for each parish, which is a smaller community or group of people who go to church together. They celebrate Mass (the Church service), help people pray, and give sacraments like baptism and communion. They are the ones who are always there for the people in the parish.
5. Deacons
The Helpers Who Serve the Community
Deacons are like the “little brothers” who help priests by doing special jobs in the church, like helping with services, visiting sick people, or helping the poor. They don’t lead the church, but they are very important helpers.
6. Nuns and Monks
The Special Helpers Who Pray
Nuns and monks are people who choose to live in a special way to help the Church. They don’t get married, and they spend a lot of time praying, helping others, and doing good works. Nuns usually live in convents, and monks live in monasteries. They are like the “aunts and uncles” who support everyone with their prayers and good deeds.
