Diocesan priests and religious priests have similar jobs, but differ as well. Diocesan priests vow their obedience to the leadership of the diocesan bishop during their ordination. They promise to live in chastity, and according to the status of clergy members. Diocesan priests do not make vows of poverty, so they have the ability to possess their own property, such as cars, and must handle their own financial matters. They make a life-long commitment to the bishop and the diocese or archdiocese. Diocesan priests usually work in parishes, although they have the ability to seek a transfer to another parish or diocese. Many of these priests work in Catholic schools, hospitals, administrative offices of the diocese, etc. They can also be referred to as secular priests because much of their work is pastoral and assisting those in the community. The word "secular" comes from Latin "saeculum" meaning "the world of time and space in which we live."
Religious priests are members of a religious order, and live by a specific rule. All members of a religious community make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to their rule. This means that they are not able to own property, and are devoted to a rule rather than a diocese. They typically live in communities focused on work, prayer, and living out the evangelical counsels. They live fraternal life led in common, and witness given to the union of Christ with the Church. Religious life is lived in devotion characterized by the principles of its founder's religious practice. They can choose between contemplative orders that focus more on prayer, or active orders that focus more on their apostolate. An example of a religious order is the Marianist Order, devoted to being like Mary. They commit themselves to making the Blessed Mother known, loved and served. Another example of a religious order is the Jesuit Order, in which Pope Francis belongs to. Despite the many differences, both diocesan and religious priests answer their call to live a life closer to God by serving Him and the community.
Religious priests are members of a religious order, and live by a specific rule. All members of a religious community make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to their rule. This means that they are not able to own property, and are devoted to a rule rather than a diocese. They typically live in communities focused on work, prayer, and living out the evangelical counsels. They live fraternal life led in common, and witness given to the union of Christ with the Church. Religious life is lived in devotion characterized by the principles of its founder's religious practice. They can choose between contemplative orders that focus more on prayer, or active orders that focus more on their apostolate. An example of a religious order is the Marianist Order, devoted to being like Mary. They commit themselves to making the Blessed Mother known, loved and served. Another example of a religious order is the Jesuit Order, in which Pope Francis belongs to. Despite the many differences, both diocesan and religious priests answer their call to live a life closer to God by serving Him and the community.