The Difference Between Priests And Religious.
Why Each Priest Has A Different Calling.
The Difference Between Priests And Religious.
Why Each Priest Has A Different Calling.
In Catholic circles you may often discuss or hear talk of vocations split into two categories: the call to the priesthood and the call to married life. Today, people often forget about the calling Religious Life or aren't too sure what the distinction is between being part of a religious order and the priesthood.
So what’s the difference and why does it matter?
Well, your vocation is as unique as you are.
Marriage will look different to various couples, but the priesthood and religious life also look different depending on the person called. As Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, we have both religious brothers and religious priests.
Here’s some distinctions to keep in mind:
Priesthood
A priest is a man who is ordained and has the authority to consecrate the Eucharist during the Holy Mass. A secular or diocesan priest is usually attached to a parish and under the authority of a local bishop or archbishop. Although he may have many responsibilities, his first priority is likely the shepherding of the people in his parish and administering the Sacraments to them.
Religious Life
A religious priest or brother is a man who (eventually) takes vows within a religious order. Well-known orders include the Jesuits, Franciscans, and Benedictines, among others. Just because a man takes vows within a religious community does not necessarily mean that he has been or will be ordained to the priesthood. For reasons that vary as much as people do, some men serve the Church as brothers or friars, taking either solemn or simple vows to God and their community, but never receiving ordination to the priesthood.
Why does all this matter? Because we feel that people cannot make informed decisions about God’s will if they don’t know what options He has laid before them.
There is no doubt that God wants you to grow, but you don’t have to become a square peg who spends his life trying to fit into a round hole. God made a call especially for you and there are many ways to live out that call.
So what does it look like to have a consecrated vocation within the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity? It looks like a whole lot of challenges, growth, love, wonder, and fun. We have priests who serve mission parishes in North and Latin America. We also have religious brothers who serve the hungry, minister to prisoners, and comfort the sick and infirm. We have men who are priests and men who are religious brothers. Most of all, we have a community, a brotherhood, dedicated to loving people through the Holy Trinity.
If you’re curious about the priesthood or religious life, please download our FREE ebook.
This ebook has tips to help you discern God’s call and find clarity in your life. Get your free copy now!
