The Role of the Bishop

Film Focus: In another episode of 3 Minute Theology, Joan Watson introduces the roles of a bishop. As she welcomes a new bishop to her diocese, she discusses the threefold roles of the bishop to teach, govern and sanctify.

Text Focus: Pages 234-239

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the threefold roles of a bishop in his diocese? Explain each of these roles.
2. What is the bishop’s relationship to the pope?
3. In what way is a bishop’s commitment to the Church like a marriage?
4. Who is the bishop in your (arch)diocese? Share three to four things you know about your bishop. If you do not know anything about your bishop, do some quick research to find out more about him.