What Does a Priest Do All Day?
There is no typical day in the life of a priest….every day is different. That’s one of the things that make priesthood so interesting. Below are some general categories which describe the activities a priest is involved with on a daily/weekly basis.
Deepening Personal Relationship with God – a critical component to priesthood
Daily Mass
Personal prayer – divine office, scripture reading, spiritual reading, quiet contemplation, spiritual direction, private devotion
Joyful Times – celebrating the life-giving moments in people’s lives
Weddings, baptisms, confirmation, graduations, First Eucharist
Painful Times – walking with people as they carry the cross of Christ
Sickness, death, incarceration, addiction, depression, loneliness, fear, divorce
Ministry of Presence – being available to listen to people
Before and after Masses, email correspondence, in the grocery store, at the gymnasium
Sacramental Moments – times that God works through priests to his people
Celebrating masses, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, witnessing marriages, baptizing babies and adults, confirmation and attending priesthood ordinations
Working with/for the Poor – priests are committed to social justice and serving the poor
Food pantries, soup kitchens, clothing drives, advocacy on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves
Youth – bringing Christ to our youth
Religious education, Catholic schools, youth retreats, attending youth activities (ball games, plays, graduation parties, etc.)
Teaching – about a third of a priest’s day is spent teaching about Christ and his Church, not necessarily in a classroom
Counseling – people turn to priests in times of pain and confusion. Additionally, priests counsel parishioners preparing to celebrate sacraments
Preparation – priests speak in public on a regular basis; this requires preparation.
Homilies for Mass, school functions, civic events, charity events
Community Involvement – priests are present to the greater community
Civic events, community service projects, board of trustees, ecumenical services, public invocations
Administration – running a parish involves administration
Parish council, finance and school board meetings, staff meetings, goal setting, diocesan committees
Fraternity – priests spend time with other priests
Prayer, social, business
Relaxation – rest and relaxation is part of being a healthy priest
Weekly day off, vacation, down-time with family and friends, hobbies, movies, television, dinner out, reading, listening to music, traveling
Domestic Tasks – priests do this just like everyone else
Cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, house cleaning
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