CCC 876

Intrinsically linked to the sacramental nature of ecclesial ministry is its character as service. Entirely dependent on Christ who gives mission and authority, ministers are truly "slaves of Christ,"³⁹² Cf. Rom 1:1. in the image of him who freely took "the form of a slave" for us.³⁹³ Phil 2:7. Because the word and grace of which they are ministers are not their own, but are given to them by Christ for the sake of others, they must freely become the slaves of all.³⁹⁴ Cf. 1 Cor 9:19.