Secular priesthood

Secular priesthood refers to priests who are part of the wider Church community and live and work within secular society, rather than belonging to a monastic or religious order. They are ordained to serve as spiritual leaders, offer mass, administer sacraments, provide pastoral care, and assist laypeople in their faith. Unlike monks or hermits who live in religious communities, secular priests typically reside among the people they serve, often working in parishes, schools, or hospitals. Their primary role is to guide and support the spiritual needs of their community while maintaining their life within the broader society.