even be a member of the Church;1 and 2. Because no power has been conferred on the Apostles and their Successors, except when united with him to whom Christ has delegated the supreme and full power over the whole Church.
1 Hence the general rule: 'Where Peter [i.e., the Pope] is, there is the Church' (St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church).
22. Is the Pope alone, by Divine appointment, to govern the Church?
The Bishops also are, by Divine appointment, to govern the Church, but only with, and under, their Head, the Pope.
' Take heed to yourselves, and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you Bishops, to rule the Church of God' (Acts XX. 28).
23. In what manner do the Bishops rule the Church?
They rule it in this manner: 1. Each Bishop governs the diocese or bishopric assigned to him by the Pope; and 2. They occasionally assemble from the various dioceses of their province, or of their country, or even of the whole Church, in order to make decrees and regulations subject to the approbation and sanction of the Bishop of Rome, our Holy Father the Pope.
24. Through whom do the Bishops exercise their office in the particular Congregations (Parishes) of their dioceses?
Through the Priests, or Pastors, sent to them.
25. When, then, may a Priest discharge the duties of the Priesthood?
When he has been expressly sent, or authorized, for that purpose, by his lawful Bishop.
The Priest receives his ordination and mission, not from the faithful, but from God through a lawful Bishop. All and every one who have thus been ordained and sent are 'ambassadors for Christ, God as it were exhorting by them' (2 Cor. v. 20); and to all of them is said what Jesus Christ said to His Disciples when sending them: 'He that heareth you, heareth me; and
