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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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?
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