Fast facts

What does a bishop do? A “bishop” is usually the pastoral leader of a diocese, or grouping of parishes. In early church history, just the bishop presided over the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, but as the church grew, priests increasingly assumed that role. Today, it is still the bishop who ordains and confirms.

How many kinds of bishops are there? Several. The pope is the bishop of Rome, and it is the pope who appoints all bishops. Diocesan bishops exercise the ministry of supervision or “oversight,” and auxiliary bishops are assistants to the diocesan bishop.

What is the Diocese of Portland? It comprises 136 parishes, 51 missions and 234,000 registered Catholics in all 16 Maine counties. It was established in 1853. Today, it sponsors 18 regional elementary schools, one high school, eight homes for the aged, four day care or extended day care centers and one health care center.