Who is a Priest?
In the ecclesial service of the ordained minister, it is Christ himself who is present to his Church as Head of his Body, Shepherd of his flock, high priest of the redemptive sacrifice, Teacher of Truth. That is what the Church means by saying that the priest, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, acts in persona Christi Capitus. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1549.)
Who is a Deacon?
The deacon is ordained to share in the ministry of the diocesan Bishop, in his mission of Word, Worship and Service. He is configured to Christ, who made himself “deacon,” or servant of all. As such, the specific character or mark of his ordained ministry is service, and in a particular way, the service of charity. He represents Christ the Servant, in service to God’s people, in communion with the Bishop and his priests, and he represents for all to see, the specific diaconal dimensions of all Church ministry.
If you would like more information on vocations and discernment of a vocation, visit the Office of Vocations page of the Diocese of Crookston website at: https://www.crookston.org/vocations