Priests share in the ministry of Christ by virtue of ordination and mission. They also share in the continuing mission of Christ in building the Kingdom of God on earth. Sharing the same dignity in the ministry of Christ and the mission of the Church, priests are called to be brothers to priests and pastors to pastors.

The unity among priests and the sense of brotherhood among themselves is a gift from God by virtue of their vocation and ordination. Vatican II highlights that "priests by virtue of their ordination to the priesthood are united among themselves in an intimate sacramental brotherhood." (PO 8) This bond of unity among priests reinforces his identity in the Church. He is called not only to administer the sacraments, to live a life of missionary zeal for the salvation of souls but he is called to be in unity among the ranks of clergy. Whether religious or diocesan, priests are pastors to pastors caring, affirming and promoting each other’s vocation. Priests are brothers helping each other as fellow workers in the truth. (cf PO 8)

Priests administer the sacraments to his brother priests. He regularly avails himself in the sacrament of reconciliation. He confesses his own sins to his fellow priest. The Church reminds the priests that like any good faithful, the priest needs to confess his own sins and weaknesses. (Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests no. 53) Along with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, priests seek spiritual direction and a companion in the ministry. Priests are companions of his brother priests amidst the challenges of priestly life.

The spiritual accompaniment of the priests as pastors to pastors finds its foundation in the equality of grace all priests receive in the sacrament of Holy Orders. Priestly fraternity and membership in the presbyterate are elements providing priestly communion. The Directory on the Ministry and Life of the Priests (no. 25) mentions that the rite of the imposition of the hands by the Bishop and all of the priests present during the priestly Ordination has special significance and merit because it points to the equality of participation in the ministry, and to the fact that the priest cannot act by himself. He acts within the presbyterate becoming a brother of all those who constitute it. Even in the sacrament of baptism wherein the priest finds the foundation of his vocation characterizes him to be among the faithful of Christ is called to be a "brother among brothers." (PDV 20)

Young and older priests protect, respect and learn from each other as companions in the ministry. Older priests should receive younger priests as true brothers and help them in their first undertakings and priestly duties. However, young priests should respect the age and experience of their seniors; they should seek their advice and willingly cooperate with them in everything that pertains to the care of souls. (PO 8)