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What does a Priest do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A priest is a religious leader who is authorized to perform certain ceremonies, such as weddings and funerals, and to give guidance on religious matters.

Priest job duties include:

  • Performs religious ceremonies and administers sacraments in accordance with Catholic traditions.
  • Conducts religious education classes and leads youth groups.
  • Counsels parishioners on personal, spiritual, and moral issues.
  • Prepares sermons and delivers homilies.
  • Oversees the maintenance of the church and its grounds.
  • Supervises the staff and operations of the parish office.
  • Represents the parish at diocesan and community events.
  • Collaborates with other clergy and church staff on special projects and initiatives.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the bishop or pastor.

Priest Job Requirements

In order to become a Priest, one must first obtain a Bachelor's degree in Theology or a related field. After completing their undergraduate studies, they must then attend a seminary and complete a Master's degree in Divinity. Once they have completed their seminary studies, they must be ordained by a Bishop. In order to be ordained, they must be at least 21 years of age and have been deemed worthy by the Bishop. After ordination, they are then able to serve as a Priest in their parish.

Priest Skills

  • Healing
  • Curing
  • Blessing
  • Exorcism
  • Preaching
  • Ministering
  • Counseling
  • Comforting
  • Guiding
  • Instructing
  • Liturgical

Related: Top Priest Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Priest

There is no one answer to the question of how to become a priest. The path to becoming a priest is different for everyone, and it depends on many factors such as where you live, what type of priesthood you are interested in, and what resources are available to you. However, there are some general steps that everyone who wants to become a priest should take.

The first step is to discern whether or not God is calling you to the priesthood. This is a process of prayerfully reflecting on your life and your relationship with God. It is important to speak with a spiritual director or another trusted advisor during this process to help you discern God’s will for your life.

If you feel that God is indeed calling you to the priesthood, the next step is to begin exploring which type of priesthood you are interested in. There are many different types of priests, such as diocesan priests, religious priests, and missionary priests. Each type of priesthood has its own requirements and way of life, so it is important to do some research and talk to people who are already priests in order to decide which path is right for you.

Once you have decided on the type of priesthood you would like to pursue, the next step is to begin preparing for seminary. This usually involves completing a four-year degree at a Catholic college or university. During your time in seminary, you will receive formation in areas such as philosophy, theology, and ministry. After completing seminary, you will be ordained a priest and will then begin serving in your chosen ministry.

Related: Priest Resume Example

Related: Priest Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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