Topic:  What Vows Do Priests Make?

Date originally posted: October 26, 2004

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Moderator who originally posted this source: Fr. Joe Vetter

Question:   What type of vows and oaths do priests have to take in order to become a priest? Thanks
 

Answer: 

Some priests are members of religious orders prior to being ordained priests. In those cases, the priests usually take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and sometime something additional, such as loyalty to the Pope.

Most priests are not members of religious orders, and are usually called "diocesan" priests because of their association with a particular bishop. These priests do not take vows, but, in the western Church, they are currently asked to make promises of celibacy and obedience to their bishop. They also promise to pray for the people they serve.