The Diocesan Priesthood
What is a Diocesan Priest?
A diocesan priest lives among the people, in one of the many parishes throughout the diocese. Living among the people means that the priest is committing to serving the people in the local church where he is assigned teaching them the truths of the faith, and sanctifying them in their lives of faith. This includes his responsibility to administer the sacraments, celebrating masses, baptisms, weddings, funerals, hearing confessions, and anointing the sick. The diocesan priest is the man chosen by God for this role in his Church, the role of shepherding the flock in the person of Christ.
Sometimes, diocesan priests are called to serve in special roles like military or hospital chaplains, or working in the diocesan offices in various roles, but the majority of priests are called to serve in parishes.
How do I know?
Technically a man will “know” he is called when he is ordained to the priesthood by the bishop! However, there are many signs that will point the way for a man to his vocation. Here are some of them:
You know and love Jesus Christ and desire to bring his teachings to the world.
You strive to live a life of prayer and virtue.
You live and desire a life in service to others.
You desire to be a priest!
Other people have told you that you would make a good priest.
You have good people skills
You find yourself to be physically, emotionally, and psychologically stable.
You are joyful and have a good sense of humor.
You are open to the will of God in your life.