Both religious and diocesan priests hold teaching and administrative posts in Catholic seminaries, colleges and universities, and high schools. Priests attached to religious orders staff a large proportion of the church's institutions of higher education and many high schools, whereas diocesan priests are usually concerned with the parochial schools attached to parish churches and with diocesan high schools. The members of religious orders do most of the missionary work conducted by the Catholic Church in this country and abroad. Large numbers of priests are located in communities near Catholic schools, hospitals, social service agencies, and other institutions. Training and Other Qualifications Preparation for the priesthood generally requires 8 years of study beyond high school, usually including a college degree followed by 4 years at a seminary.
Priests commit themselves to celibacy, remaining unmarried.
Preparatory study for the priesthood may begin either in the first year of high school, at the college level, or in theological seminaries after college graduation. Today, most candidates for the priesthood take a 4-year degree program at a conventional college or university. Diocesan and religious priests attend different major seminaries, where slight variations in the training reflect the differences in their duties. Programs emphasize English grammar, speech, literature, and social studies. Latin may be required, and modern languages are encouraged.