Answer
The Catholic Church does not have one official list called “the four ministries.” Catholic tradition instead describes a threefold ministry (the tria munera) shared by bishops and priests: teaching, sanctifying, and governing. The Church also recognizes instituted lay ministries, open to qualified men and women through a formal liturgical rite rather than ordination.
The Threefold Ministry (Tria Munera)
Bishops and priests share in Christ’s roles as teacher, priest, and shepherd. Catholic teaching traditionally describes this as three ministries, not four: teaching the faith, administering the sacraments (sanctifying), and governing the community.
Instituted Lay Ministries
The Catholic Church also recognizes lay ministries. As of 2021, there are three instituted lay ministries: lector (proclaiming Scripture), acolyte (assisting at the altar), and catechist (teaching the faith to others).