ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIESTS

Nature of the Work

Roman Catholic priests attend to the spiritual, pastoral, moral, and educational needs of the members of their church.  They deliver sermons, administer the sacraments, and preside at liturgical functions such as marriages, baptisms, and funerals.  They also comfort the sick, console and counsel those in need of guidance, and assist the poor.  Some priests are involved in nonliturgical concerns such as human rights and social welfare.

Training and Other Qualifications

Preparation for the priesthood generally requires 8 years of study beyond high school in one of about 230 seminaries.  Preparatory study may begin in the first year of high school, at the college level, or in theological seminaries after college graduation. Today, most candidates for the priesthood take a 4-year degree at a conventional college or university.  After graduation from college, candidates generally receive 2 years of Pre-theology preparatory study (philosophy, religious studies, and prayer) before entering the seminary. 

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Roman Catholic priests is expected to be very favorable through the year 2005.  Many priests will be needed in the years ahead to provide for the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the increasing number of Catholics.  In recent years, the number of ordained priests has been insufficient to fill the needs of newly established parishes and other Catholic institutions, and to replace priests who retire, die, or leave the priesthood.  This situation is likely to continue even if the recent modest increase in seminary enrollments continues as an increasing proportion of priests approach retirement age.

Earnings

Diocesan priests' salaries vary from diocese to diocese.  Based on limited information, salaries averaged about $9,000 in 1992.  In addition to a salary, diocesan priests received a package of benefits that could include a car allowance, free room and board in the parish rectory, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Including fringe benefits, the total value of a priest's compensation package averages about $29,000 a year.

Additional information can be obtainred by contacting the following organizations:

National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, 1603 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60616.

National Religious Vocation Conference, 1603 S.  Michigan Ave., Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60616.

Young men interested in entering the priesthood should seek the guidance and counsel of their parish priests.  For information regarding the different religious orders and the secular priesthood, as well as a list of the seminaries which prepare students for the priesthood, contact the diocesan director of vocations through the office of the local pastor or bishop.


