What is a diocesan priest?

A diocesan priest brings the presence of Jesus Christ directly to his parish community in the sacraments, the proclamation of the living Word of God, his preaching and his teaching.

A priest also mediates the presence of God by his daily lived faith in the midst of his parish community. Just like all Christian disciples, a priest aspires to a deep relationship with the Lord Jesus. His life - whether he is ministering at a hospital or eating a hamburger at a parish picnic - may be a witness to the presence of the Lord at work in him.

A priest becomes an important part of the lives of the parishioners he serves. He encourages, consoles, rejoices and supports them in there lived experience of faith. Because a diocesan priest plays an integral role in the lives of his parishioners, he is referred to most often as "Father", rather than by his official title of "Reverend".

Diocesan priests are also involved in other important forms of ministry: teaching in schools, chaplaincy in hospitals, military or prisons, campus ministry, and many other specialized forms of service.