In the absence of a bishop, the priest presides at [[Mass]] and at the other [[Sacrament]]s except Confirmation and Holy Orders. In the Roman Catholic Church, these are [[Baptism]], [[Matrimony]], [[Reconciliation]], and Healing. From the early 4th Century A.D. a discipline of [[celibacy]] has been in place for Roman Catholic priests, although it was not made mandatory until the Middle Ages. In recent times the Roman Catholic Church is finding it difficult to replace aging priests but has kept its policy regarding unmarried priests, instead addressing the need for more parish clergy by making greater use of deacons, who may be married men. | In the absence of a bishop, the priest presides at [[Mass]] and at the other [[Sacrament]]s except Confirmation and Holy Orders. In the Roman Catholic Church, these are [[Baptism]], [[Matrimony]], [[Reconciliation]], and Healing. From the early 4th Century A.D. a discipline of [[celibacy]] has been in place for Roman Catholic priests, although it was not made mandatory until the Middle Ages. In recent times the Roman Catholic Church is finding it difficult to replace aging priests but has kept its policy regarding unmarried priests, instead addressing the need for more parish clergy by making greater use of deacons, who may be married men. |