Diocesian Priesthood / Order Priesthood

[Mannyfit75]

Hello, my fellow Christians,

As probably most of you know I have been discerning priesthood over a year now. At the moment I am discerning the diocesian priesthood.

I am curious about order priest and would like some information about them. I have already discuss my possible vocation to the Catholic chaplains here.

Anyways, I get out of the Army in March 2009. I do not have a degree but I do have 60 college credits from my previous education I received from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC.

I know most of the credits I earn there may not be acceptible to theological schools.

I also know that some seminaries offer Pre-Theology so men discerning the priesthood can earn their BA and go into the seminary.

Right now I what to know the difference between both diocesean priesthood and the Order priesthood like the Franciscans, Jesuits, etc.

There is a possibility I may consider order priesthood since my parents move out of the US and stay overseas.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

May the Lord be with you.

 

[CatholicMC]

Manny, basically at the crux of the matter is what you feel your vocation is, ie, what God is calling you to do, not neccessarily within the context of the priesthood, but it could be.

A dicoesan role is more of a pastoral setting. You would be ministering to a set group of people, take care of their needs, and respond to whatever you need to do with them.

In a religous order, specifically with the Jesuits, you would have a profession, and at the same time be a priest. For example, there are Jesuit doctors, lawyers, professors of all types, astronomers, etc…you have a vocation as well as a calling to be a priest. The Jesuits feel they must be open to go anywhere and do anything, hence the call to poverty, obedience, chastity, and fealty to the pope. A diocesan priest would take only vows of chastity and obedience.

It also takes longer to become a religious priest, with longer formation and most likely a better education, outside of the seminary. For example, the Detroit Jesuits will most likely end up taking classes either at Loyola Chicago, Fordham, Berkley(the Jesuit Ones), or at Detroit Moercy; ie they would get their theology at one, their philoshopy at another…

I don’t have as much information about the Franciscans, but I know their focus is poverty, living and working with those in it, and their formation process is similar to that of the Society of Jesus.

Basically, you will have more autonomy over immediate life decisions as a Deiocesan, as compared to living in a community with a religious order, and having less of a say over immediate decisions.

Ad mejorium Dei Glorium is the Jesuit’s motto, for the greater glory of God. Theirs is an interesting perspective on serving God. I reccommend spending time with each order along with contacting their vocational directors to seek guidance on your vocation and calling.

 

[tptram]

a link to start your search
catholic-hierarchy.org/country/xrel.html
Click on the home web site of each order to find out more.

I have 2 cousins are Jesuits priests and our parish is staffed by Dominican priests. And be friend with two diocesean priests

Each religious order has its own main thrust/forte.
To quote Bishop Sheen: “three characteristics to be a holy priest are:
1 - Humility
2 - Humility
3 - Humility”

Good luck

Tak

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

One difference between diocesan and religious priests is community. If you think about most diocesan parishes, there may be one or two priests. One priest may even be split among multiple parishes. Religious priests usually live in a community of at least several people and possibly more than several. They do more things in common such as praying together and eating together.

The real question with a religious order is whether you feel called to its charism. Franciscans and Jesuits and Benedictines and Dominicans (and on and on and on) all emphasize different aspects of their spirituality. Perhaps you want to investigate different orders to get a sense of what they’re like. If you feel called to one of them, then explore it further. The Vision Vocation Guide may be helpful.

 

[Mannyfit75]

I thank you all for the information I have received I will look over them once I have more time.