In the first century AD, the Apostles and other disciples of Jesus preached his message in many cities in the Middle East and Southern Europe. The first leaders of the local communities were the Apostles. Their successors are the bishops.
The Apostles were assisted by priests and deacons. The other faithful in the communities each had their own task (I Cor. 12:28). Also today, bishops, as successors to the Apostles, lead the Church, assisted by priests and deacons. The large number of lay faithful all contribute in their own way to the Church.
