What is the difference between a diocesan priest and a priest who belongs to a religious community?
A diocesan priest commits himself to a specific geographical location (a diocese or archdiocese) and promises obedience to the bishop of that (arch)diocese and the bishop’s successors. Most diocesan priests minister in parishes. Some diocesan priests also serve as hospital, school, fire department, or military chaplains. They may serve as seminary administrators or faculty, vocation directors, canon lawyers, community organizers, or in other special assignments within their dioceses. A priest who belongs to a religious community commits himself to the charism(s) or mission of the religious community and follows the spiritual practices of the community’s founder. Examples of charisms include teaching, preaching, ministering to the poor, or missionary work. A well-known example of a religious community’s spirituality is set forth in St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, which are practiced by the Jesuits (Society of Jesus). Members of religious communities take vows of poverty, chastity, an
