Priests: What Is a Priest?
A priest is a man who has received the sacrament of Holy Orders, who allows himself to be “conformed to Christ” to the point of being “transfigured” by Him. As friends of Christ, priests are part of the People of God, like all the baptized, but they have been set apart to serve all people and the world. In union with the bishops, priests “share in one and the same priesthood and ministry of Christ” (Second Vatican Council, Presbyterorum Ordinis, Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, no. 7). Ordained to the priesthood (whose name derives from the ancient term “presbyter”), priests are co-workers with the bishops. Furthermore, in the sacraments, priests act in the name of Christ (No. 1548 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church). In this Hozana article, discover the key things to know about priests.
What are the missions of priests?
Priests are called, in particular, to a threefold mission:
- Sanctification: This involves the celebration of the sacraments, first and foremost the Eucharist, the source and summit of the entire Christian life. The sacrament of Reconciliation also holds particular importance. The Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests (Presbyterorum Ordinis) of the Second Vatican Council states that “Priests who perform their duties sincerely and indefatigably in the Spirit of Christ arrive at holiness by this very fact.” (no 13). Finally, prayer (meditation, Eucharistic adoration), and the daily Liturgy of the Hours are other important aspects that enable priests to sanctify themselves.
- Teaching: the instruction of the faithful is the second major mission of priests. The Second Vatican Council states: “Let the clergy highly esteem the arduous apostolate of the laity. Let them train the laity to become conscious of the responsibility which they as members of Christ have for all men [...]” (Ad Gentes, no. 21).
- Governance: The mission of governance means “to guide - with the authority of Christ, not his own the portion of the People that God has entrusted to him.” (Benedict XVI, General Audience, St. Peter’s Square, Wednesday, May 26, 2010, Munus regendi). For diocesan priests, this involves, in particular, leading and governing a community, in the image of Christ the Good Shepherd.
What are the main commitments of priests?
Priests are primarily committed to:
- To obedience: During a priestly ordination, the bishop addresses the future priest: “Do you promise to live in communion with me and my successors in reverence and obedience?” The Code of Canon Law adds in Canon 273: “Clerics are bound by a special obligation to show reverence and obedience to the Supreme Pontiff and their own ordinary.” (Canon 273).
- To fulfill the obligations of the pastoral ministry: “they are first of all to fulfill faithfully and tirelessly the duties of the pastoral ministry” (Code of Canon Law, Canon 276, §2).
- Regarding the Liturgy of the Hours: “priests and deacons aspiring to the presbyterate are obliged to carry out the liturgy of the hours daily” (Code of Canon Law, Canon 276, §2).
- On celibacy: From the time of their ordination to the diaconate, priests commit themselves to celibacy. The Code of Canon Law states: “Clerics are obliged to observe perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the kingdom of heaven and therefore are bound to celibacy” (Canon 277, §1).
Good to know: The obligations and rights of clerics are outlined in the Code of Canon Law in Canons 273 through 289.
A priest may be:
- Attached to a diocese: These are diocesan priests. Ordained for a specific diocese, they are attached (incardinated) to that diocese for life, although they may also be temporarily detached from their diocese (as is the case, for example, with fidei donum priests) or request to be permanently detached (this is known as excardination).
- Affiliated with a religious congregation (institute of consecrated life): Priests may belong to an apostolic religious community (the Jesuits, the Dominicans, the Franciscans) or to a contemplative community (the Carmelites, the Cistercians, the Benedictines). Members take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
- Affiliated with a society of apostolic life: Priests may also belong to a society of apostolic life (the Eudists, the Lazarists, etc.). Although members generally live in community, they do not take religious vows and are therefore not considered religious.
How does one become a priest?
The first step toward becoming a priest is to contact the vocations office of your diocese (to become a diocesan priest) or a religious congregation (if you feel called to become a religious, although it is the community that decides whether or not to ordain a candidate to the priesthood).
The best-known path to becoming a priest is the seminary. This is a place of formation that generally lasts 6 to 7 years. Seminaries are primarily intended for those who plan to become diocesan priests. Religious who are preparing for priestly ordination may be sent mainly to seminaries or universities.
At what age can one become a priest?
You must be at least 25 years old to become a priest. Today, the majority of priests are ordained between the ages of 30 and 40. However, there are also what are known as “late vocations,” and some men are sometimes ordained at the age of 50 or 60.
How do I know if I’m called to become a priest?
In the Church, we speak of vocational discernment to reflect on whether one is called to a particular vocation. This discernment takes place on both sides: both on the part of the person considering becoming a priest and on the part of the Church, which also discerns.
Let’s pray for priests with Hozana
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