Among those called ministers in Roman Catholic churches, are

  • ordained deacons, priests, or bishops officiating or assisting at a liturgy
  • lectors who read scriptural passages to the congregation
  • altar servers
  • extraordinary ministers of communion who helps distribute communion to parishioners after the eucharistic elements are consecrated by the priest. ("Ordinary" ministers of communion are priests and deacons.)

Only one who has been ordained a priest has the requisite supernatural power to consecrate the eucharistic elements. A deacon may distribute communion, baptize, and officiate at weddings. Deacons and lay ministers, unlike priests and bishops, are normally not financially supported by the church; they have "day jobs".