The hierarchy and clergy are the Church together with you and me. Remember that bishops and clergy are baptized also. It's just that the hierarchy and clergy are consecrated so that you and I might be able to receive Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist. There is no Eucharist or Sacrificial offering for sin without the ministerial priesthood. Sinkspur, you need to speak more clearly concerning the priesthood and the Church
I understand the priesthood perfectly.
Do you understand the priesthood of the laity?
You spend all you time here touting the clergy and it is the clerical caste which has brought shame on our Catholic Church.
Yes, we need priests for the sacraments. Perhaps they'd be more respected if they acted in accord with the dignity of the office.