Whats the difference between a religious priest and a diocesan priest?
A religious priest (a member of a religious order or society) takes the vow of poverty as well as vows of celibacy and obedience. Usually, he lives with a number of other priests or brothers of his religious community. His service to the Church may extend beyond the diocese: he can expect to be sent anywhere in the world where his community is working. A diocesan priest, on the other hand, ordinarily serves within the diocese for which he is ordained. He makes a commitment to his bishop. He does not, however, take a vow of poverty. Instead, he is paid a salary from which he must pay for his own car, gas, insurance, clothes and personal needs.
