> What do priests do?
There are the very special occasions that priests are involved in, such as presiding at Masses, Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. However, as a leader of a faith community there are also many other less public things that happen. A priest’s life is full of variety; each week is usually different to the one that has gone before.

Every parish is different, so priests can be involved with schools, hospitals, nursing homes and providing assistance for those in financial difficulty. People often come to priests to talk about their various personal problems. Priests also have certain administrative responsibilities. Parishes usually have Pastoral Councils and Finance Committees which share in those responsibilities.

Some priest work in special ministries as diverse as hospital chaplaincy, prison chaplaincy, military chaplaincy and theological education.
A example of a Priest's diary

> Who do I contact to start the process of inquiring about priesthood?
Fr Ian Wren
Vocations Centre
GPO Box 282
Brisbane Qld 4001
Phone: 1300 133 544 or 07 3336 9392
E-mail: vocation@bne.catholic.net.au
(All enquiries will be handled confidentially)



> What are some of the needs, challenges and benefits of priesthood?
The main purpose of a priest is to preach the message of Jesus through actions and words. The message of Jesus is incredibility powerful; his way offers life, happiness and peace.

In this day and age preaching the message of Jesus Christ has its challenges. There are so many other voices promoting so many other things that the message of Jesus sometimes gets lost.



> I am not a "holy joe", maybe I am not holy enough to be a priest?
There can be a perception that being holy means being abnormal and distant from the lives of ordinary people. People can be holy by doing average things; they can be as holy as people who live in monasteries. Holiness is about developing a relationship with God and putting that into practice when you relate to other people. Someone once said that holiness is about living in right relationship with God and other people. Holiness is about compassion and love.

> Have the sexual abuse scandals damaged the reputation of the priestly vocation?
Sexual abuse is a grave matter that has done a great deal of harm to innocent and vulnerable people. It has certainly harmed the mission of the church and the ministry of priests.

Any attempt to sexualise a pastoral relationship is a breach of trust, an abuse of authority, and professional misconduct. Any form of sexual behavior with a minor or adolescent is always criminal sexual abuse. The church believes that sexual abuse is sinful, it is contrary to the vision and mission of Christ. New screening procedures and better training of seminarians is aimed at preventing the possibility of priests offending in the future.

The Catholic Church in Australia has put in place processes to address allegations of abuse an appropriate manner. In Queensland the Professional Standards Resource Group has been established to address complaints against church personnel. The group has a helpline (1800 337 928) where abuse can be discussed confidentially and assistance (e.g. counseling) can be arranged. Anyone who calls this helpline can still contact the police at any time.
Article by Archbishop Bathersby, The Courier Mail (22 April 2002)

> What kind of subjects do you study to be a priest? Is the study you do in preparation for priesthood easier than University study?
People training to be a priest study a wide range of subjects which include: scripture; theology; philosophy; history; liturgy and ministry. Some of these things might sound a little scary, but anyone capable of doing a basic university degree will be able to study to be a priest.

Studies are completed through St. Paul’s Theological College which is a member school of the Brisbane College of Theology.
Subject List
Brisbane College of Theology

> How much do you get paid?
Priests do not expect to become wealthy, but nor should they need to worry about the necessities of life. Parish Priests are given a cash stipend of $11 400 per year and Assistant Priests are paid $11 160. This may seem like a small amount, but priests are given a number of fringe benefits. Their accommodation and household costs (electricity, phone and food) are paid by their parish. Priests are also provided with a car and a car expenses allowance, although they do make a limited contribution to car costs. Priests are also covered by private health insurance.

While not having a luxurious lifestyle, priests can live a comfortable life with financial security.

> Is it true that priests aren’t allowed to own things? Can priests do ordinary things like spend time with friends, drink alcohol and go to parties?
There are some differences between being a Diocesan Priest, whose main mission is to work in the local church, and Religious Order Priests (like the Franciscans, Carmelites and Dominicans), who have a variety of different missions depending on their order. Religious Priests usually take a vow of poverty and do not own anything personally. Diocesan Priests are able to own things. However, Diocesan Priests are aware that they take their income from the donations of ordinary people who often struggle financially; as such their lifestyle should not be exorbitantly expensive.

It is important that priests do have contact with friends and do have time to relax. Priests are ultimately ordinary people and it can be very unhealthy if they do not have people in their lives to share friendship with. Many people may not see the private life of priests, but spending time with family and friends is essential for a priest to be happy.
There is no rule which forbids priests for drinking alcohol or enjoy parties. However there is an expectation that, like anyone that they would use alcohol responsibly.



> What is the reason for Catholic priests not being able to marry? Is priesthood lonely?
The main reason for priests being celibate is to allow them to be free from the responsibilities of married life, so that they are more available to the ministry they exercise. Priests are said to be celibate for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
Celibacy can be a pretty mysterious thing and probably has to be experienced in order to really be understood. Making any kind of commitment involves loss, whether it is marriage, celibacy or any other major life choice. When we make big choices we usually give up something to make that choice.

This might sound strange, but learning to be celibate involves coming to a deeper understanding of one's sexuality. Sexuality is no just about sexual intercourse, it is about how we relate to other people and to God. No one can stop being sexual, they can refrain for sexual intercourse but they do not lose their maleness or femaleness.