#REDIRECT A '''Priest''' is a [[Child molesterRoman Catholic]], [[Anglican]], or [[Eastern Orthodox]] clergyman ranking above [[deacon]] but below [[bishop]]. The [[Anglican Church]] retained the term even after the break with Rome under [[Henry VIII]].<ref>[http://anglicanprovince.org/pressrel702.html Anglican Belief and Practice]</ref> The office corresponds to a ''presbyter'' in the early church. ''Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (1 Timothy 4:14)'' 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. == See also ==* [[Sacrament]] of [[Holy Orders]] in the [[Roman Catholic Church]]* [[Ordination]]* [[Monk]] or [[Nun]]* [[Oath]] or [[Vow]]* [[Peter Heier]] == References ==*[http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0211fea2.asp Understanding the priest scandal]<references/> [[Category:Christian Group Structuring]][[Category:Catholic Church]]