DIOCESAN PRIESTHOOD

A Diocesan Priest is a man who belongs to a community of men dedicating their lives to the service of God and the Salvation of Souls within a given territory, called a Diocese, under the leadership of a local bishop (Ordinary). The Diocesan Priest is often described as a parish priest because he ministers in a particular parish within a diocese. The Priest who leads the parish is called the Pastor; if there are any other priests assigned to help the pastor in his ministry in the parish, these are called Associate Pastors.

A Diocesan Priest lives a life much like others in his parish. Although he is involved in sacred things such as the Celebration of the Eucharist, baptizing, performing Weddings and Funerals etc., he is also a man of the world - he forms friendships, has hobbies, goes on Vacations, participates in recreational activities etc., just like others in his parish. The Diocesan Priest is called to be involved in his parishioners lives; he is to be one of them and at the same time apart from them, for he brings Jesus to them in his very self.