The Roman Catholics of the Western Church, in general, abide firmly by the principle established by the schoolmen, that the priesthood is to consist of seven classes, corresponding to the seven spirits of God. Of these the three who are chiefly employed in the duties of the ministerial office compose the superior order (See CLERGY), 3; and the four whose duty it is to wait upon the clergy in their ministrations, and to assist in conducting public worship, belong to the inferior order. See Coleman, Christ. Antiq. p. 73.