Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

Religious or Diocesan Priesthood?

"Do not wish to be anything save what you are and strive to be that perfectly." -St. Francis de Sales

While discerning a possible vocation to the priesthood, it may be helpful to remember that Catholic priests belong to one of two groups: religious or diocesan. Below are some of the comparisons and contrasts between the two types:

A bishop ordains both types of priests.

Religious Priests serve within a province, usually a larger geographical area than a diocese. For example, the OSFS Wilmington-Philadelphia Province extends from Massachusetts to Florida. Diocesan Priests serve in one limited geographical area (a diocese or archdiocese).

Religious Priests have a voice in choosing and evaluating the leadership in their Province or Order.

As a Religious, priesthood is not the main goal; vowed life as a Religious is. Vowed life is first achieved after two years, when the first profession of vows an OSFS is permitted. A Religious vows poverty, chastity, and obedience according to the understanding of their Order/Congregation and its Constitutions. Diocesan priests do not vow poverty (they retain complete control and responsibility over their finances). They promise celibacy for the sake of the ministry to your bishop, and promise to obey the bishop and his successors. Vows are made to God; promises to a human being.

Training takes place in the specific spirituality of the Order/Congregation. In our case, it is the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales. This spirituality will give a specific shape to your ministry and prayer life as well as serving as a bond with others in the Order or Congregation. Diocesan Priests are free to choose a spirituality which best suits him and his needs. None is determined by his membership in a diocese.

Ministry, as a Religious Priest, can take several forms. Oblates serve as parish priests, teachers and professors, campus ministers, missionaries, chaplains, scientists, social workers, administrators and counselors The ministry of a Diocesan Priests is sacramental (celebrating Mass, administering the sacraments, preaching, etc) and in the parish setting.

Both Religious and Diocesan Priests can hold teaching and administrative posts in Catholic seminaries, colleges and universities, and high schools. Diocesan Priests are usually more concerned with the parochial schools attached to parish churches and with diocesan high schools.

Religious Priests do most of the missionary work conducted by the Catholic Church in the United States and abroad.

Religious Priests can be moved more frequently as personal and community needs dictate.

Religious Priests expect intentional communal living. Whereas these may happen in a parish rectory situation between Diocesan Priests, they cannot expect it. Religious Priests also have the right to expect communal support in prayer.