the church teaches that its authority is derived from apostolic succession, the belief that the apostles passed their authority to their successors, the bishops, in an unbroken line from peter to the present-day pope. the new testament provides evidence for the hierarchical structure that the catholic church claims it maintains to this day: > "for this reason i left you in crete, that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as i directed you." (titus 1:5, niv) here, paul instructs titus to appoint leaders (elders or bishops) in the early christian communities, which supports the churchs structure of episcopal governance. the structure of the church as a body with different roles and functions is described by paul in his letters: > "and god has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues." (1 corinthians 12:28, niv) the catholic church interprets this as evidence of the divinely ordained offices that continue in the modern hierarchy: bishops, priests, and deacons. =sacraments: means of grace= catholic doctrine holds that the church is a channel of god's grace, particularly through the seven sacraments: baptism, eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation (confession), anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. these are viewed as instituted by christ and essential for salvation. the eucharist is considered the source and summit of catholic life, and its foundation is found in jesus words at the last supper - and is discussed in the epilogue/birthday bonus section.
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