Through their ordination, bishops, presbyters, and deacons have expressed their willingness to imitate Christ as servant and shepherd. One of the most common images of the ordained has been that of an alter Christus, “another Christ”. The Second Vatican Council reiterated the tradition that presbyters take on the image of Christ and share in the office of Christ as mediator.

Each in their own way, bishops, presbyters, and deacons, have accepted the task to preach the gospel, to teach the faithful, and to care for the less fortunate. Though the ministry of each order has evolved over the centuries, what remains the same is service of the Church both in society and at worship.