Doctors of the Church

What do these titles mean?

Saint

Someone the Church declares to be in heaven and proposes as a model and intercessor. Canonisation does not make a saint; it recognises one.

Blessed

A person beatified by the Church — a step before canonisation — who may be venerated, usually locally.

Martyr

A witness (Greek martyrs) who dies for Christ, refusing to deny the faith.

Apostle

One sent. The Twelve chosen by Jesus, and Paul; in a wider sense other early missionaries.

Church Father

An early Christian writer, generally up to the 7th–8th century, recognised for orthodox teaching, holiness of life, antiquity and the Church's approval.

Doctor of the Church

A saint officially declared a teacher of the whole Church for the depth and soundness of their teaching. There are 37.

Pope

The bishop of Rome, successor of Peter, who presides over the communion of the whole Catholic Church.

Bishop

A successor of the apostles who leads a local church (diocese) and ordains priests and deacons.

Priest

An ordained minister who celebrates the sacraments and preaches, as a co-worker of the bishop.

Deacon

An ordained minister for service: proclaiming the Gospel, baptising, marrying and serving the poor.

Monk

A man living a life of prayer and work in a monastery, usually bound to one community for life.

Friar

A brother of a mendicant order (Franciscans, Dominicans…) who lives in community but is sent out to preach and serve.

The 37 Doctors of the Church