Salary Range
Below $25,000 to $100,000Overview
Roman Catholic priests serve as either diocesan priests (sometimes called secular priests), leading individual parishes within a certain diocese, or as religious priests, living and working with other members of their religious order. The primary function of all priests is administering the church's seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, confession, holy communion, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick. Diocesan priests also visit the sick, oversee religious education programs, and generally provide pastoral care to their parishioners. Religious priests often serve as educators and missionaries, or they may be cloistered in a monastery. There were approximately 35,929 Roman Catholic priests in the United States in 2019, most of whom were diocesan priests.
Minimum Education Level
Bachelor's DegreeCertification/License
NoneOutlook
About as Fast as the AveragePersonality Traits
Helpful
Outgoing
Problem-Solving
Career Ladder
Bishop, or Archbishop, or Cardinal
Administrator or Teacher
Experienced Roman Catholic Priest
Associate Pastor
Novice
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