About Catholic Priests

As the largest Christian religion, the Catholic church relies on its priests to lead the church congregation. A priest has to uphold all of the Catholic beliefs and values at all times.

Time Frame

Becoming a Catholic priest takes eight years of education after graduating high school. The first four years are generally spent at a college or university to work on earning a Bachelors Degree, such as philosophy or religious studies. It is possible to become a priest without having a college degree. In that case, the years that are normally spent in college are spent at the seminary in a preliminary course. Next comes four years in the seminary, in which the man focuses on learning the Catholic interpretation of the Bible and other information. Once the man is out of the seminary, he enters a six-month internship, where he is considered a deacon. Once this is done, the man is a priest.

Considerations

Only men who take a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience can become priests. The Catholic church doesn't allow priests to marry or have romantic relationships. If a priest decides to marry, he must leave the priesthood. He can, however, serve the diocese as a deacon.

Types

There are two main types of priests. Diocesan priests, who serve the diocese they preside over, and Religious Order priests, who focus on wide scale teaching and community service. While there is only one kind of Diocesan priest, there are four Religious Orders of Catholic priests. The Jesuits were originally formed by Saint Ignatius Loyola in 1540 as an independent religious organization. After discovering the organization needed the help of an established religion, he offered his organization to the Pope. The Benedictine Order is made up of monk, who are often called "black monks." The Dominicans or Order of the Friars Preachers, is part of a larger order that includes the Dominican Sisters or nuns. The Franciscans Order was originally founded by Saint Francis. It includes three divisions of priests, nuns and other religious authorities, such as deacons.

Geography

Catholic priests can be found throughout the world. The center of the priesthood is in Rome, Italy. This is where the head of the Catholic church, the Pope, lives. The majority of Catholic priests are found in Europe and North America.

Function

A Catholic priest has numerous responsibilities. They preside over mass, counsel church members, perform Catholic rites such as weddings, funerals, last rites, baptisms, communion and confession. Priests make house calls and visit people in hospitals. Many priests are active in their community.