What are the CHIEF SUPERNATURAL POWERS of the priest?
The chief supernatural powers of the priest are: to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and to forgive sins in the sacrament of Penance. 1. The Eastern Orthodox priests have received their orders from validly ordained bishops. Therefore, even thought they are not united to the Catholic Church, they have the power to say Mass. If they should return to the unity of the Church, they are not re-ordained. The priests who apostatize, or are suspended or excommunicated still remain priests. They retain the power, although not the authority and jurisdiction, of priesthood. For example, they have the power of saying a true Mass, although they would sin grievously if they do so. However, they cannot forgive sin, except in the case of the dying; absolution is a judicial power, and needs jurisdiction. 2. Unlike the Orthodox and Old-Catholic churches, no Protestant denomination has validly ordained bishops or priests. A number of these denomina
