Title I. The Ministry of the Divine Word (Cann. 756 - 780)

Can.756 §1. With respect to the universal Church, the function of proclaiming the gospel has been entrusted

principally to the Roman Pontiff and the college of bishops.

§2. With respect to the particular church entrusted to him, an individual bishop, who is the moderator of

the entire ministry of the word within it, exercises that function; sometimes several bishops fulfill this function

jointly with respect to different churches at once, according to the norm of law.

Can.757 It is proper for presbyters, who are co-workers of the bishops, to proclaim the gospel of God; this duty

binds especially pastors and others to whom the care of souls is entrusted with respect to the people committed to

them. It is also for deacons to serve the people of God in the ministry of the word in communion with the bishop

and his presbyterium.

Can.758 By virtue of their consecration to God, members of institutes of consecrated life give witness to the

gospel in a special way and the bishop appropriately calls upon them as a help in proclaiming the gospel.

Can.759 By virtue of baptism and confirmation, lay members of the Christian faithful are witnesses of the gospel

message by word and the example of a Christian life; they can also be called upon to cooperate with the bishop

and presbyters in the exercise of the ministry of the word.

Can.760 The mystery of Christ is to be set forth completely and faithfully in the ministry of the word, which

must be based upon sacred scripture, tradition, liturgy, the magisterium, and the life of the Church.

Can.761 The various means available are to be used to proclaim Christian doctrine: first of all preaching and

catechetical instruction, which always hold the principal place, but also the presentation of doctrine in schools,

academies, conferences, and meetings of every type and its diVusion through public declarations in the press or

in other instruments of social communication by legitimate authority on the occasion of certain events.