What does a Catholic Priest do?
What is his Vocation?
The purpose of this vocation, of
being
a priest is to bring people to Jesus, and Jesus to people. He does this primarily by
preaching
the Word and offering the Sacrifice of the Mass. His daily vocation
involves administering the sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation, the
Eucharist, Penance
and Reconciliation, the Anointing of the Sick, and Matrimony (Holy
Orders
is reserved for bishops to administer)—and caring for the people in
their
daily needs.
|
Is it easy to become a Catholic
Priest?
No, it is
definitely
not easy to become a Catholic Priest, to enter a life in the
Priesthood!
A man who wants to become a Catholic priest must go to college for four
years,
with at least two years of philosophy. After graduating from college,
he
must go to a seminary for another four years to earn a masters degree
in
divinity. Most men go to school eight to ten years after high school,
before
they are ordained a Catholic Priest! But do not let this discourage
you.
God always gives us the grace to do what He asks us to do.
|
Are most Catholic Priests happy in their vocations—in their lives and
in
their work for Christ?
Most Catholic Priests are
extremely
happy in their vocation, the Priesthood! The life of a Catholic Priest
is
a very rewarding life, both in this world and in the next. The media
often
gives an incorrect impression of Catholic Priests and the Priesthood…
that
they are largely unhappy, frustrated, and angry. This is simply not
true.
It's no more than a stereotype.
|
Can Catholic Priests do anything they want for recreation
and
fun?
A Catholic Priest can do
anything
he wants for recreation, as long as it is consistent with the Christian
life.
Many priests play golf, basketball, softball, scuba dive, and engage in
other
sports. Others enjoy movies, plays, and reading. Some like to hunt,
fish,
and every other imaginable entertainment!
|
Do Catholic Priests
get
paid?
Catholic Priests do
not
get paid in the sense that people in the business world are paid.
Because
a Catholic priest does not have a family and because he lives a simple
life,
he does not need a lot of money. However, Catholic priests do receive
enough
money to buy their necessities, to buy and maintain an automobile, to
take
a vacation, and to do normal recreational activities. Also, Catholic
Priests
are given free room and board by the church for which they work, so
their expenses are minimal.
|
Is the daily life of the
Catholic priest interesting?
There is never a dull moment for
a
Catholic Priest! It is a great challenge but it is also extremely
rewarding.
When a Catholic Priest goes to bed each night, he can say, "Lord, today
I
spent myself for You." What a wonderful thought with which to end one’s
day!
The priesthood is both interesting and fulfilling because people are so
interesting.
But these people need more priests very badly.
Will you become a priest if
Jesus
is calling you?
|
