What is a diocesan priest?
A diocesan priest is a man who has received the sacrament of Holy Orders and who allows himself to be “conformed to Christ” to the point of being “transfigured” into him. Diocesan priests are part of the presbyterate and are, in fact, attached to a diocese. In union with the bishops, they “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). As collaborators with the bishops, they act in the name of Christ in the sacraments (No. 1548 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church). In this Hozana article, discover the key things to know about diocesan priests. At the end of this article, we invite you to explore our other articles on priests and the Christian life.
What is the main role of a diocesan priest?
A diocesan priest is generally the pastor of a parish (he is in charge of and responsible for a parish, that is, a local community comprising a group of churches) or an assistant pastor (who collaborates with the pastor in carrying out pastoral duties). Consequently, all parish priests are priests, but not all priests are parish priests.
Good to know: There may be exceptions where a diocesan priest is neither a parish priest nor an assistant priest, but is appointed to a full-time position, such as rector of a seminary.
What other roles might a diocesan priest hold?
While in the vast majority of dioceses in France, a priest is either a parish priest or an assistant pastor, he may be entrusted with additional responsibilities within his diocese, in addition to his role as parish priest or assistant pastor, such as:
- Dean of a parish: Elected by his peers, a dean is a parish priest who is in charge of a deanery, which consists of several parishes.
- Episcopal vicar: He is one of the bishop’s closest aides and is responsible for a sector or vicariate.
- Vicar General: He is the bishop’s closest collaborator.
- Director of the Diocesan Office for Ongoing Formation
- Exorcist: Each diocese is required to appoint a priest as an exorcist. Find out all the details in this article.
- Diocesan Facilitator for Charismatic Renewal
- Diocesan Delegate for Relations with Judaism or Islam
- Diocesan Director of Vocations Ministry
- Professor at a seminary or university
- Pursuing Further Studies: Bishops may ask certain priests to pursue theological studies toward a licentiate or doctorate.
- Etc.
What is a typical day like for a diocesan priest? What does his schedule look like?
Below is an overview of what a diocesan priest might do during his day and week—and, more specifically, over the weekend.
A Diocesan Priest’s Week
One day off per week (often Monday, but it can be another day)
- Celebration of Mass
- Daily celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours
- Preparation for liturgical celebrations (coordinating with liturgical teams, preparing homilies, etc.)
- Preparing, facilitating, and following up on meetings
- Meetings (Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, liturgical team, baptisms, weddings, etc.)
- Meeting with individuals: Sacrament of Reconciliation, spiritual guidance, or any other requests
- Visiting the sick
- Etc
A Diocesan Priest’s Weekend
The weekend is the busiest time of the week for diocesan priests. In addition to Sunday Masses, they may celebrate baptisms and weddings. It is also when they are in the greatest demand.
How does one become a diocesan priest?
A man who feels called to become a diocesan priest can contact the vocations director in his diocese. Discernment can then take place in various ways:
- Frequent contact with a parish through volunteer work (serving as an altar server, teaching catechism, visiting the sick, etc.)
- Ongoing contact with the vocations director
- Meetings with a spiritual director
- One or more spiritual retreats
- Meeting with priests and/or seminarians
- Etc.
Afterward, the steps to becoming a diocesan priest are generally:
- A year of spiritual foundation (or preparatory year)
- The first cycle at the seminary: Takes two years. This is known as the “disciple-missionary” cycle.
- The second cycle at the seminary: Takes three years. This is known as the “configuration to Christ” cycle.
- The year of vocational synthesis: during this year, the candidate for the priesthood reflects on his journey and may apply for ordination to the diaconate.
- Diaconal Ordination
- Priestly ordination
With Hozana, let us pray for diocesan priests!
With Hozana, let us pray for diocesan priests and all those who are considering becoming priests.
You can pray for a vocation by .
Hozana also includes other prayer communities, such as:
