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VOCATION. COM:  Frequently Asked Questions 

WHAT IS A DIOCESAN PRIEST?

A diocesan priest can best be described as a PARISH PRIEST. Diocesan priests also serve in a variety of other capacities such as campus ministers, teachers or chaplains for hospitals, or prisons, but basically they are the priests who minister to the day-to-day needs of people in parishes. He is called a Diocesan priest because he commits himself to the service of God's people within a definite geographical area called a diocese.

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE WANT TO BE A PRIEST?

Everyone looks for a meaning and fulfillment in life. For a Christian, life's meaning must have a relation to serving God. As a man grows in the Christian life and in a relationship with God he discovers his purpose and place in God's plan. As a result some men feel called to a special kind of service in the Lord's Priesthood, serving the Catholic Community as its leader in prayer and worship and service. 

WHAT DOES A PRIEST DO?

The Ministry of a priest will depend somewhat upon his particular interests and skills. A diocesan (or parish) priest spends much of his time in preparation for and in the celebration of the sacraments (Eucharist, Penance, Baptism, Marriage, Sacrament of the Sick, etc). Each day some time is set aside for personal, private prayer. Visiting the sick, visiting people in their homes and working with the various parish and neighborhood organizations are all part of his ministry. The parish priest must also be available to people when they have special needs. He is frequently involved in individual counseling, (marriage problems, parent teenager problems, drug problems or just life in general). Like anyone else, a priest must also find some time for rest and relaxation when he can do things he enjoys.

WHO QUALIFIES?

A single man with average intelligence, emotional stability and sincere interest may qualify for the priesthood. He must have an interest in people and in trying to make the world a better place through priestly ministry. He should also be a person who is generous and looking for the challenge that comes in following the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A PRIEST?

For a man considering the possibility of priesthood he must have four years of high school, four years of college and four years of graduate study (Theology) and then be called by the Bishop to Ordination. You might feel that this is a long period of time but when preparing for any other profession (doctor, lawyer) it also takes a long time. Our purpose is to fully prepare a man to minister to the people of the Diocese of Balanga.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DIOCESAN PRIEST AND A RELIGIOUS PRIEST?

A diocesan priest ordinarily serves the church within a well-defined area (a diocese). He serves the people as a parish priest, but may also be involved in other forms of ministry such as a teacher or chaplain (in campus ministry, hospitals, prisons, etc) A diocesan priest ordinarily serves within the diocese for which he is ordained. He makes a commitment to his bishop.

A religious order priest is a member of a religious order community, which goes beyond the geographical limits of any diocese and focuses on a particular ministry such as running schools, missions or hospitals. A religious order priest (a member of a religious order or society) seeks to live a vowed life (living the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience) within a community of men for mutual support and accomplishment of some work. There is an emphasis in the community on shared ideals, prayer and commitment to Christ (charisms or the order). Religious order priests work in wide variety of ministries. Their service to the Church may extend beyond the diocese: they can expect to be sent anywhere in the world where the community is working.

WHAT VOWS DO DIOCESAN PRIEST MAKE?

Diocesan priests make promises of celibacy, prayer and obedience to their Archbishop or bishop at ordination time.

WHY CELIBACY?

Celibacy, in the religious context, is the means by which a man consecrates himself totally to God for the service of humanity. By celibacy a Christian sets aside the responsibilities and intimate relationships of family life in order to take on the responsibility of serving the wider family of man. By a personal relationship with God in prayer, by the friendships and associations with married and single men and women, he grows in his love of humanity and becomes capable of serving God's people more effectively. To be authentic, it must be inspired by a love for Jesus who is the man for others.

WHAT IS OBEDIENCE?

It is a promise by which the priest places himself at the service of the bishop or religious community and the Church. His commitment to the will of God makes him available to the needs of God's people as directed by his superior.

HOW IMPORTANT IS PRAYER IN THE PRIESTLY/RELIGIOUS LIFE?

As one chooses a way of life, which says by its very nature that God is most important, prayer has a central role in our lives. Prayer is communication with the Lord whom we love. Prayer is important, therefore part of prayer time is spent with others, at Masses and in public prayer; part alone, in reading and quiet attentiveness. 

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU FEEL YOU HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD?

First it is important to be active in your parish and speak to someone about it such as your parents, a priest, a teacher, a religious sister or a close friend. You don't have to be certain, but if you have considered this vocation probably the most important thing is to do is pray about it.

If you feel that you would like to continue pursuing this possibility, you may contact your own parish priest or the vocations director of your choice.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PARENTS IN ENCOURAGING VOCATIONS?

The primary role is to provide an authentic witness to the importance of faith, prayer and service to others. This includes teaching their children that all that one is and has, comes from God, and that if we truly want to be happy, we will discover how God wants us to use the gifts we have received. Making their children aware of the nature of a vocation, a "Calling" from God is a crucial first step. After that , it is a matter of inviting, raising the question with their children whether God might be calling them to be a priest, sister or brother.

From FAQ, Archdiocese of New York

Edited by Fr. Jun Villanueva for the Diocese of Balanga