A diocesan priest will make three promises to the church standing before his bishop. He promises to pray daily the Liturgy of the Hours, which includes passages from the psalms and Scripture. This is to keep him very close to God. Secondly, the diocesan priest promises to obey and be loyal to his bishop. His bishop guides the priest and the priest ministers where the bishop asks him to serve. He does not represent the church differently than his bishop would. Thirdly, the priest promises to live a celibate life so that he can completely give his own life to Christ, the church–the people whom he has been called to serve. God gives him special graces to live this calling.
The diocesan priest lives and works in a certain geographical area called a diocese. Most often, a diocesan priest is assigned to a parish by the bishop, and he lives and works in that area. He does not make a promise of poverty, and usually owns a car and other possessions in order to fulfill his duties and live independently. His main work is preaching the Gospel, offering Mass, anointing the sick and dying, baptizing, celebrating marriages, burying the dead and consoling those who need his help. He is focused on the needs of those in his parish.
A religious priest makes three solemn vows even before he is ordained. In poverty, He owns nothing or very little, and shares things in common with others in his community–such as a place to live and a car. He vows obedience to his religious superior who may ask him to minister far away or have a particular role in the community. Finally, the religious priest vows chastity, which, like the diocesan priest, means he will not get married and have sexual relations.
These three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience–are called the “evangelical counsels.” Interestingly, the Catechism teaches that every Christian is called to live the counsels to some degree, though religious priests live them in a “more intimate” way. (CCC #916)
A person chooses a religious community based on its lifestyle, charisma or mission. Some communities live very austerely while others do not. Some have missions with the elderly, youth or the poor. Some serve as teachers in schools or evangelists in other countries. Some are contemplatives or silent. Most often they live in Monastic community with each other instead of in a parish setting. The Vocationist Fathers try to have at least three religious in each community.
Is one “better” or “holier” than another? Absolutely not. The right vocation for a particular man is simply a matter of where God is calling him to serve.
Please, help to promote Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Thank you for your assistance in promoting vocations in our Catholic Church and helping the Religious Priests. Our Lord has provided plenty of work in His vineyard. For more information contact one of the priests of our parish.