As representatives of Jesus, priests (1) offer the Sacrifice of the Mass to the Father, (2) administer the Sacrament of Penance for the forgiveness of sins, and (3) administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

1. As representatives of Jesus, priests offer the Sacrifice of the Mass to the Father.

Knowing that Christ’s priesthood and Church were to continue to the end of time, the Apostles, by ordaining bishops and priests, passed on their priestly power to them. In order to become a priest, a deacon is ordained by a bishop and thereby receives the grace that is necessary to make the sacrifices required of a life so much like Christ’s. He becomes a special representative of Christ, having been given His priestly powers.

The most important work of the priest is offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He acts in the Person of Christ, i.e., in union with Him, as Christ renews the sacrifice of the Cross in an unbloody manner for the glory of God and the Salvation of all people.

2. As representatives of Jesus, priests administer the Sacrament of Penance for the forgiveness of sins.

Through His priests, our Lord forgives sins and becomes for all of us a merciful and faithful High Priest. As it is written in the Letter to the Hebrews: “Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17).

3. As representatives of Jesus, priests administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Through His priests, Jesus comforts those suffering serious illnesses and prepares them for their final union with God in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.